About HETTY

Hetty Johnston AM, GAICD established Bravehearts in August 1997 to become Australia’s leading charity fighting child sexual assault. In March 2021 Hetty became independent from Bravehearts to pursue other opportunities.

Hetty continues as a highly sought-after child protection specialist, safeguarding governance consultant, media commentator, as well as national and international keynote speaker.

A born lobbyist, Hetty is a woman of passion and determination who has succeeded in highlighting the crime of paedophilia and child sexual assault to media, families, schools and the general community, both nationally and internationally.

Hetty is a voice for our community. She has succeeded in drawing attention to, and inspiring positive change on issues such as the environment, criminal justice, small business and child safety. She has crusaded for political accountability and been a passionate voice for all Australians.

Hetty has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to child protection with numerous awards and accolades over her career.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Australia’s legislative landscape, after several Royal Commissions and Inquiries focusing on child safety, aged care and disability, has become more litigious and far more demanding on organisations that work with, or interact with, vulnerable people as part of their business or operations – and it will strengthen further.

These inquiries have found widespread failures in organisational leadership, governance, culture, policy, procedure, and practice, all of which collaborated to facilitate horrific sexual abuse against thousands of vulnerable children and adults.

As a result, the sector Standards, Principles and Regulations have been strengthened and new legislation relating to child sexual abuse has been introduced across the nation.

Safeguarding in an organisation does not just happen; it requires an increase of awareness and training, the adoption of strategies, good governance, risk management and practice that together create a culture where the best interests and safety of children and the vulnerable are the first priority.

Just as with the introduction of Workplace Health and Safety, boards and executives must lead this Safeguarding journey.  They must set the culture.

The ongoing viability of your enterprise may likely depend on it.

I am committed to working with organisations throughout Australia to support governance and risk management capability; supporting boards, senior managers and staff to implement effective approaches to support decision-making, improve performance, optimise objectives and prevent harm.