State of Emergency

Zahra Al Hilaly (she/her)

Zahra is a human rights defender committed to addressing gender inequality within religious and culturally diverse communities. Leading policy and campaigns at the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), Zahra drives transformative initiatives like National Child Protection Week, mobilising grassroots communities nation-wide to prevent child maltreatment.

A proud daughter of Palestinian and Iraqi refugees, Zahra brings over eight years of experience working with refugee communities to advance their rights, safety and inclusion. Zahra is an Australian lawyer and storyteller whose work in peacebuilding and gender equality has been spotlighted by Vogue Australia, Gucci America, Al Jazeera and others. In 2024, she earned a place on Forbes Asia-Pacific's 30 Under 30 list.

Rosie Batty (she/her)

When her 11-year-old son Luke tragically lost his life at the hands of his father, Rosie Batty was catapulted into the media spotlight. With fierce determination and incredible courage, Rosie channeled her grief into a tireless and inspirational crusade against domestic violence, becoming a powerful catalyst for systemic change.   

From being named Australian of the Year to receiving the Pride of Australia National Courage Medal and the prestigious Order of Australia, Rosie's accolades speak volumes about the indelible mark she has made.  

But perhaps Rosie's most enduring legacy lies in her innate ability to inspire others. By sharing her own journey of healing and resilience, she has empowered countless others to find hope in the face of adversity.  

Kyllie Cripps (she/her)

Professor Kyllie Cripps is a Palawa woman and Director of Monash University’s Indigenous Studies Centre. A leading expert on Indigenous family violence, sexual assault and child abuse, she is a Chief Investigator and Workstream Lead in the ARC Centre for Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Her research focuses on understanding violence through an Indigenous lens, examining contributing factors and assessing service accessibility for survivors. 

With an interdisciplinary approach and an intersectional perspective, Kyllie collaborates with scholars across various fields to develop sustainable solutions and drive policy and practice change. Her work has been pivotal in identifying gaps in services and creating opportunities for community-led solutions to be supported. 

Kyllie is passionate about creating safe spaces for communities to address often-silenced issues, working closely with them to identify areas for change and developing strategies and resources that can activate that change. She builds networks that connect communities and organisations, empowering them with resources, support and opportunities for collective action. 

Jess Hill (she/her)

Jess Hill has become one of Australia's most recognised and respected thinkers on gendered violence. In addition to her broadcast work - two highly acclaimed docu-series on SBS, a Quarterly Essay titled The Reckoning and a podcast series on coercive control titled The Trap - she has spoken at over 300 events to diverse audiences across the country. Her work has received multiple awards, including two Walkley Awards, an Amnesty International Award and the Stella Prize in 2020. In 2023, she was named the Marie Claire Changemaker of the Year and is currently a finalist for the NSW Premier’s Women Excellence award.  

Julie Inman Grant (she/her)

Julie Inman Grant is currently Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, leading the world’s first government agency dedicated to online safety. Appointed in 2017, she expanded the agency’s regulatory mandate under the Online Safety Act, addressing child exploitation material and launching initiatives like Safety by Design, Women in the Spotlight and the eSafety Youth Council. 

With a background in public policy and corporate affairs, Julie’s career includes roles in the US Congress, Microsoft, Twitter and Adobe. She co-founded the Global Online Safety Regulators Network and actively contributes to several global boards. Recognised as one of the top 150 women in cybersecurity for three consecutive years, Julie champions digital safety worldwide.

Jamila Rizvi (she/her)

moderator

Jamila Rizvi is a diversity, equity and inclusion expert, sought after public speaker, as well as a best-selling author and broadcaster. Jamila is Deputy Managing Director at FW, a company that champions gender equity in Australian workplaces through professional development, community and advocacy. A published author for adults and children, she is also a columnist for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald and host of several podcasts. Jamila is a brain tumour survivor and ambassador for the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation. She lives and works on Wurundjeri country in Naarm.