Hannah Damkar, who worked closely with victims and families after the Bondi Beach terror attack, has been appointed NSW’s first independent Victims of Crime Commissioner.
The appointment gives her powers to examine systemic failures, investigate complaints and press government agencies to improve how they treat victims.
The NSW Government approved the appointment on Monday, with the NSW Governor to formally appoint Damkar for a five-year term beginning on July 30.
Damkar most recently served as deputy coordinator general for the government’s response to the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack.
She helped victims access services, worked with families and ensured their experiences informed the government’s response, including financial assistance measures.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said Damkar had become a trusted figure within the Jewish community through her work after the attack.
Chief executive Michele Goldman said her contribution was often made away from public view.
“Hannah played a central role during Bondi, often behind the scenes,” Goldman said.
“She is so passionately committed to being with victims, to providing a strong listening ear, to making sure that they feel heard, and to get to the bottom of what needs to change.”
Goldman said Damkar had shown an ability to turn individual experiences into broader reform.
“I’ve witnessed Hannah first-hand hearing and helping an individual work through an incident, navigate the system, but then more importantly understand how to make the systemic change to ensure all victims don’t have to go through that same challenge again,” she said.
The commissioner will oversee the Charter of Victims’ Rights and establish a new complaints framework aimed at giving victims greater certainty about how their concerns will be handled.
Damkar will be able to request or require individuals and agencies to produce documents and information relating to alleged breaches of the charter.
She will also be able to recommend practical remedies, including asking an agency to apologise, review a decision or change its policies and procedures.
Her responsibilities will also include researching systemic problems, consulting victims and support groups, entering information-sharing arrangements with public agencies and presenting special reports to the NSW Parliament.
Premier Chris Minns said the role was intended to ensure victims had an independent advocate when the justice system failed them.
“When someone becomes the victim of a crime, it turns their life upside down,” Minns said.
“At that moment, they deserve to know someone is in their corner, that they’re being treated with respect, and that the system is working for them.”
He said Damkar had spent much of her career supporting people after major crises.
“She understands what victims go through, and I know she’ll be a compassionate, determined and independent advocate for victim-survivors across NSW,” he said.
Damkar described the appointment as an honour and a major responsibility.
“At its core, this office is about treating victims with dignity, compassion and respect, and working alongside victims to improve their experience of the justice system as a whole,” she said.
“I would like to recognise the many victims of crime across the state, particularly those who I have had the privilege to meet and who have shared their stories openly and honestly.”
Acting Attorney General Kate Washington said the appointment followed calls from victims who felt ignored by institutions intended to deliver justice.
“We have heard from victims of crime who have felt voiceless in systems that are meant to deliver them justice, so we’ve acted,” Washington said.
“Our new Victims of Crime Commissioner will give victims the voice they deserve.”
Damkar has also worked on recovery efforts following the Greta bus crash and the Bondi Junction attack and has experience supporting people affected by domestic and family violence.
Her previous roles include work with the NSW Bushfire Recovery Taskforce, Resilience NSW and Transport for NSW.
She received the Public Service Medal in 2023 for her work during the 2019-20 NSW bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Northern Rivers floods.
Homicide Victims Support Group Australia and Road Trauma Support Group Australia chief executive Martha Jabour said the appointment was historic and overdue.
“For decades, families affected by homicide have not had a voice or somewhere that they can take their concerns independently for review and resolution,” Jabour said.
“They have carried their grief while navigating systems never designed with their needs at the centre.”
She said the commissioner would help move victims closer to the centre of the justice system.
“This Victims Commissioner will help ensure that victims are no longer an afterthought, but a priority protected, heard, respected and represented,” Jabour said.
Road Trauma Support Group NSW deputy chairman Duncan Wakes-Miller said the role could help return some control to people whose lives had been changed by crime.
“Crime steals control. Justice should help people reclaim it,” he said.
“For too long, the people most affected by crime have been outside the room while the justice system was being reshaped.”
The commissioner will appoint a new Victims Advisory Committee to replace the existing Victims Advisory Board.
The commissioner’s office will sit within the NSW Premier’s Department, while the Department of Communities and Justice will continue to administer the Victims Support Scheme and the register for victims of forensic patients.
The role was established through legislation passed in October 2025.