Australian of the Year Rosie Batty not ruling out future in politics

ROSIE Batty is not ruling out a foray into politics, and says she has felt like “royalty” during her time as Australian of the Year due to people’s warmth and respect.

Domestic Violence campaigner Rosie Battie at the University of the Sunshine Coast to talk at the Domestic Violence Symposium. Photo Lachie Millard

• Rosie Batty labels domestic violence family terrorism

ROSIE Batty is not ruling out a foray into politics as her Australian of the Year tenure comes to an end but says she is not yet ready to dip her toe in.

For now her focus is on continuing the fight against family violence, saying it could take as long as campaigns against smoking and speeding to change attitudes.

The inspirational advocate told the Herald Sun that the nation was at only the beginning but believed big inroads had been made in the past year.

“I think the awareness raising has been critical, it has to start with that,” she said.

“I think victims are starting to feel more comfortable discussing this and seeking assistance.

“If you look at successful long term campaigns, like road safety, speeding, anti-smoking, changing attitudes in society takes decades.”

Ms Batty revealed in 2014 that she had been encouraged to enter politics, with her dignity and confidence speaking publicly impressing in the wake of son Luke’s murder.

Speculation continues to swirl but she said that her priorities were building up the Luke Batty Foundation and Never Alone campaign, and taking on advisory roles.

Domestic Violence campaigner Rosie Battie. Picture: Lachie Millard

“I would never rule it out, but I’m still not really ready to make that kind of commitment,” she said.

Ms Batty, who was recently honoured in a social media campaign #ThankYouRosieBatty, said she has felt like ‘royalty’ during her time as AOTY due to the warmth and respect people showed her.

But the role has taken a toll at times leaving her exhausted, and she is striving for more balance this year.

“It was beyond all expectations,” she said.

“I approached it in the most genuine way I could and I feel the response from everybody has been amazing.”

She believed her biggest impact was raising awareness and educating all sections of the community about family violence, and helping shift people’s thinking.

Other wins included respectful relationships education being introduced into the curriculum, which her Never Alone campaign lobbied for.

But more work was needed, especially in the area of perpetrator responses, she said.

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