Dr Kathleen Baird from the School of Nursing and Midwifery has been appointed by the Queensland Attorney General as the Deputy Chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board for three years.
Chaired by the State Coroner, Mr Terry Ryan, the Board has been established to identify preventative measures that aim to reduce the likelihood of domestic and family violence deaths in Queensland and increase awareness and recognition of the impact, context and circumstances surrounding domestic and family violence.
Dr Baird’srole will entail reviewing the domestic and family violence deaths in Queensland, including deaths that occurred before the Board was established and deaths that are still being investigated under the Coroners Act.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the board’s membership reflected the diversity of the Queensland community from the fields of domestic violence services, health and the justice system.
Dr Baird (pictured)said she was honoured to be part of the advisory board where she hopes lessons learned and changes to practice may prevent other unnecessary deaths.
Head of Midwifery@Griffith, Professor Jenny Gamble, said the appointment was in recognition of Kathleen’s work, expertise and professionalism in her approach to domestic and family violence.
“We acknowledge the importance of Kathleen’s appointment to this position and know she will make a valuable contribution,’’ Professor Gamble said.