National Centre Against Bullying

How long have you been involved with The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying?

I first became involved about eight years ago when I agreed to speak to a group in Canberra to support the Foundation's Better Buddies Framework and highlight the problems for children associated with bullying.

In 2002, the Foundation asked me to Chair the National Centre Against Bullying, I agreed  and have been performing that role ever since.

What made you decide to work with the Foundation and become Chair of NCAB?

As Chief Justice of the Family Court I developed a keen interest in the welfare of children. I also became concerned about the extent of bullying and abusive behaviour that all to often forms a part of Australian family life, at least when seen from a Family Court perspective.

I wondered about the causes of this behaviour and whether it is learned behaviour that came from childhood. My conclusion was that it almost certainly did so.

Working with the Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying I am involved in positive steps to change this culture.

Why is keeping children safe from bullying and other forms of violence important to you?

It is often said that 'children are our future'. I prefer to express this as 'children are our present'. Either way the future of any society is determined by how it nutures, educates and protects its children, and if we fail in these objectives then our future is bleak.