Heidi Yates is stepping down as ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
After spending seven years in the role, Heidi Yates will step down as the ACT’s Victims of Crime Commissioner to pursue similar work in the consultancy space.
She was appointed to the role in 2018 then reappointed to a second five-year term in 2023. The ACT Government announced earlier this week she was finishing her term.
Ms Yates said it had been a privilege to serve the Canberra community as commissioner.
“After seven years in the role – the same period served by the previous Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey – I’m looking forward to a new challenge,” she said.
“The parts of the commissioner role I’ve enjoyed most have been bringing stakeholders together to design and trial new collaborative solutions to difficult problems.
“Next – I’m excited to continue doing this kind of important, dynamic work in a consultancy context.”
Human Rights Commissioner Dr Penelope Mathew said Ms Yates’ accomplishments as commissioner were significant.
She helped establish the ACT’s Witness Intermediary Program and the Territory’s first collaborative, high-risk family violence initiative, the Family Violence Safety Action Program.
Also, she was involved in implementing the ACT Victims Charter of Rights, creating a unified Victims Register and collaborating 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,” Dr Mathew said.
Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne said Ms Yates had been a passionate and tireless advocate for victims of crime, working to ensure they were treated with dignity, respect and fairness across the justice system.
“Her collaborative work with community organisations, government and service providers has shaped a more compassionate and supportive system for those affected by crime, delivering major advancements for victims’ rights,” she said.
Brittany Higgins (left) leaves court with Heidi Yates after Bruce Lehrmann’s ACT Supreme Court trial was declared a mistrial. Photo: Albert McKnight.
Margie Rowe has been appointed as interim Victims of Crime Commissioner for up to six months while a formal recruitment process is undertaken for the next commissioner.
She has been the acting commissioner since July 2024 and was previously the senior director of Victim Support ACT.
“Ms Rowe has a proven track record and deep understanding of the issues facing victims of crime in the ACT,” Ms Cheyne said.
ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Victoria Engel SC said Ms Yates had advocated fiercely for a more inclusive justice system, as well as one in which victims of crime were given the respect and autonomy they deserved.
“My office has greatly valued her collaborative approach to achieving just outcomes and we wish Ms Yates all the very best for her next chapter,” she said.
“We have a strong working relationship with Victims Services ACT and Acting Commissioner Margie Rowe and look forward to continuing to work with Ms Rowe and her team for the betterment of the ACT community and victims of crime.”
Ms Yates had drawn criticism in the past for her public support for former Liberal adviser Brittany Higgins during the trial of Bruce Lehrmann for allegedly raping her at Parliament House in 2019.
The trial was aborted due to juror misconduct and Mr Lehrmann denies the allegations.
Ms Yates had vigorously defended her role, telling an Legislative Assembly annual reports hearing that victim-survivors of alleged crimes could also be supported throughout the court process.
