The ACT’s new Victims of Crime Commissioner has been announced as Juliette Ford. Photo: ACT Government.
The new Victims of Crime Commissioner for the ACT is a long-time lawyer who has been described as having a “a deep commitment to human rights and advocacy”.
After seven years as commissioner, Heidi Yates stepped down from the position about six months ago. It was later announced that Juliette Ford would take over the role in February 2026.
“I am honoured to be appointed the next ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner and will bring all of my experience working at the intersection of individual advocacy and systemic reform to this role promoting the rights of victim-survivors,” Ms Ford said.
“I have worked in the community, government and private sector as a lawyer promoting the rights of victim-survivors.
“To have the chance to bring what I have learnt to this role with its dual functions as an independent statutory advocate and providing service delivery is an exciting one.”
Ms Ford joined law firm Farrar Gesini Dunn in 2001 and became a partner in 2003, specialising in family law and collaborative practice.
She has worked with community legal centres, including the Aboriginal Legal Service in WA, and served as a registrar of the Family Court of Australia.
Between 2021 and 2024, she worked for the ACT Government, leading the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response and Law Reform Program that delivered the Listen. Take Action to Prevent, Believe and Heal Report.
This report paved the way for significant reforms in responses to sexual violence in the ACT, including the Sexual Assault (Police) Review.
“Juliette Ford’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to human rights and advocacy,” Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said.
“She brings a wealth of experience in family law, dispute resolution and victim advocacy, as well as a strong track record in driving systemic reform.
“Her leadership will be critical in helping victims of crime in the ACT receive timely, compassionate and effective support.”
ACT Human Rights Commissioner Dr Penelope Mathew said Ms Ford was a leading lawyer whose experience spanned private practice, work with community legal centres, government and academia.
“She is eminently qualified to be the new Victims of Crime Commissioner, and I am looking forward to working with her,” she said.
Acting Commissioner Margie Rowe has been serving in the role since the departure of Ms Yates and will continue until Ms Ford takes over in February.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Margie Rowe for her tireless and selfless work as acting commissioner,” Ms Mathew said.
