Our Watch has proudly welcomed gender equality and social justice leader, Moo Baulch OAM, to the position of Our Watch Chair.

CEO Patty Kinnersly said Ms Baulch’s commitment to addressing and preventing violence against women in Australia and internationally will be an incredible asset to the organisation.

“Ms Baulch is a true leader and champion for gender equality. With more than two decades of experience across the sector in policy development and as a prevention practitioner, and with her strong record of LGBTIQA+ and corporate engagement, Moo’s expertise and experience will be invaluable to Our Watch as we work towards a community where women are free from violence and valued as equal,” said Ms Kinnersly.

Speaking of her appointment, Ms Baulch said that now is the time to encourage all Australians to engage in the prevention of violence against women.

“There’s never been a better time to do this work. We’re on the eve of a new National Plan to end violence against women, and Australians are ready to actively engage in gender-based violence prevention.

“Educators, business and industry, communities and families all want to be part of the solution, ensuring that this generation of children and young people are supported to meet their potential and live free from violence and abuse,” Ms Baulch said.

“For decades, feminists, community activists and women’s services were the lone voices when it came to talking about violence against women and how it might be prevented, but when Our Watch launched in 2013, I remember being filled with optimism and anticipation about what such an organisation might achieve.

“Since then, Australians have developed a nuanced understanding about the scale of the problem of men’s violence and an ever-growing intolerance for the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to thrive. Survivor advocates are also beginning to be heard, and we’re building a strong evidence base about what needs to change to prevent violence.”

Ms Baulch recognises the important role Our Watch has played in changing attitudes and behaviours, from providing tools and resources for practitioners, to its work reaching the community in everyday settings.

“Our Watch has led much of the vital work with Australian governments, education settings, sporting codes, workplaces and the media, and has provided a solid structure and frameworks to support our emerging national prevention sector.

“As well, the second edition of Our Watch’s Change the story, which was launched in late 2021, also plays a pivotal role in changing attitudes by providing a compelling case for all Australians to understand their part in preventing violence in everyday life.

“Change the story challenges rigid gender stereotypes, and helps everyone do their part to dismantle the intersecting structural inequalities that impact disproportionately on the people who are most likely to be victims of violence in Australia, including First Nations and culturally diverse women, trans and gender diverse people, women with disability and older women.

“I’m deeply honoured and delighted to be appointed the Chair of Our Watch – it’s an exciting time to join a truly exceptional organisation. Previous chairs Natasha Stott Despoja and Dr Phil Lambert leave a powerful legacy. I can’t hope to fill their shoes, so instead I will focus on supporting Patty and the Board to meet the challenges ahead.”

Ms Kinnersly also recognised the important role that Dr Phil Lambert, outgoing Acting Chair, and Natasha Stott Despoja, former Chair, have played in developing Our Watch over the last nine years.

“Dr Phil Lambert has been a steadfast leader during a period of transformation and growth for both the organisation and the nation, and I thank Phil for his unwavering commitment to our vision and our organisation,” said Ms Kinnersly.

“As our inaugural Chair, Ms Stott Despoja’s drive, passion and skilled diplomacy played an integral role in placing gender equality at the heart of the national agenda. I deeply thank Natasha for her vision and the role she played in our foundational work, which will underpin our organisation’s growth and success for many years to come.

“I look forward to building on this legacy with Ms Baulch, as we embark on an exciting new chapter for Our Watch, and for gender equality in Australia.”

To read more about Moo Baulch’s appointment as Our Watch Chair, see a statement from Senator Anne Ruston.

Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or 0448 844 930.

*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:

“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.”
To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit Media Making Change.

Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children.