Expressions of Interest to join national Lived Experience Advisory Council closing soon

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Commission is seeking Expressions of Interest from people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence to join their national Lived Experience Advisory Council. Applications will remain open until 11:59 pm AEST Monday 10 August 2026. 

Information about the eight available member positions, including details about how to apply, are available at www.dfsvc.gov.au/EOI/lived-experience-advisory-council-members.

The Council includes people with lived, living and learnt experience of domestic, family or sexual violence. Members work in partnership with each other and the DFSV Commission to provide crucial insights and inform progress towards the objectives of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. 

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, emphasised that lived experience is critical to achieving these objectives.

“To truly understand the realities and impacts of domestic, family and sexual violence, we must listen to people with lived experience. We must include their voices and insights in all efforts to end violence so that our responses meet the needs of those most affected.” 

“Lived experience is critical expertise. It must be recognised, valued and clearly visible in decisions that are made to keep our communities safer,” said the Commissioner. 

The Council’s Co-Chair, Holly Supple-Gurruwiwi, said “lived experience transforms survival into expertise, and expertise into reform. Embedding lived experience ensures policies are written with those of us who have lived violence – not just about us. This Expression of Interest process deepens the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission’s commitment to real, accountable change.” 

The Council should reflect the diversity of experiences and people affected by domestic, family and/or sexual violence. The DFSV Commission strongly encourages applications from: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
• people with disability and neurodivergent people  
• people from culturally, linguistically and faith diverse communities 
• LGBTIQA+SB people 
• young people (18–25) 
• older people 
• people living in regional, rural and remote communities  

Information for applicants  

Learn more about the Council: www.dfsvc.gov.au/about/lived-experience-advisory-council

Apply now: www.dfsvc.gov.au/EOI/lived-experience-advisory-council-members  

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT 

on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. 

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or  

visit www.ntv.org.au. 

To speak to a 13YARN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76.