Russell Hooper

CEO

We welcomed new CEO Russell Hooper to the team on 20th March 2026.

Russell is an experienced policy maker and advocate with over 15 years of experience shaping family and social services policy across the public and not-for-profit sectors. Russell has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for vulnerable families through systemic reform and close, extensive consultation and engagement.

With nearly a decade in executive positions, Russell has worked with people with lived experience, front line practitioners and Ministers to drive reforms that benefit children, young people and families. This includes leading national domestic violence strategies, developing out-of-home care reform frameworks centered on the young person’s voice, and driving significant regulatory shifts that protect from gambling and alcohol-related harm.

Russell is a strong advocate for elevating the voices of people with lived experience. He has successfully integrated the perspectives of victim-survivors, young people in care, and those impacted by alcohol and gambling harm into government policy design. His previous roles include serving as the interim CEO of the Office of the Victims of Crime Commissioner (Victoria), holding senior positions within state and federal governments, as well as the national peak body, No to Violence.

As a dedicated advocate for vulnerable children and young people, Russell’s professional expertise is complemented by his personal commitment to the sector, including his volunteer work with Backpacks 4 SA Kids and previous experience mentoring young people exiting residential care.