Outgoing Victims of Crime Commissioner leaves a legacy of authentic leadership, drive, and compassion

Outgoing Victims of Crime Commissioner leaves a legacy of authentic leadership, drive, and compassion

Heidi smiling

The Minister for Human Rights this morning acknowledged the important contribution made by Ms Heidi Yates as she concludes her term as the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner.

The President and Human Rights Commissioner Dr Penelope Mathew stated Ms Yates accomplishments while working as the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner have been significant. “Heidi’s contributions have included establishment of the Intermediary Program; the ACT's first collaborative, high-risk family violence initiative - the Family Violence Safety Action Program; implementation of the Victims Charter of Rights; the creation of a unified Victims Register; and collaboration with the Women’s Legal Centre to pilot one of Australia’s first specialised legal services for victim survivors of sexual assault. Her authentic leadership and kindness have made a lasting contribution to the culture of the ACT Human Rights Commission and the broader Canberra community. I wish her all the best for the future.”

Ms Yates has been a highly valued leader and colleague at the ACT Human Rights Commission and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including this year’s ACT winner of the 2025 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

Ms Yates reflects: “It has been a privilege to serve the ACT community as Victims of Crime Commissioner for the past seven years. I’m proud to have worked with colleagues across the community, justice system, and government to lead local, innovative initiatives that uphold victim-survivors’ rights to dignity, choice, and justice. Thank you to the Canberrans who have shared their stories with me and who work tirelessly to improve our systems for others — your advocacy is a generous and powerful act of public service."

The Minister stated, “on behalf of the ACT Government, I extend my sincere and immense gratitude to Ms Heidi Yates for her dedicated service as the Victims of Crime Commissioner for the ACT”.

The ACT Human Rights Commission is pleased to confirm that Ms Margie Rowe will continue as interim ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner while a formal recruitment process is undertaken.

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