Michael O’Connell AM APM MPubPol (with Distinction) BSocSc DiVict DiMAP AsDipBus FGLF
A Consulting Victimologist is also an Honorary Visiting Fellow, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, OP Jindal Global University. Michael previously served as the inaugural Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia (2006-2018). As the Commissioner, he co-chaired the National Victims of Crime Working Group (2010-2018), and later chaired the working group when tasked to develop guidelines for assisting Australians as victims of terrorism overseas (2018). Prior, he served as the state’s first Victims of Crime Coordinator (2001-2006), and while employed as a police officer he was appointed the state’s first Victim Impact Statement Coordinator (1989-1994).
Further, Michael is a life member, a past Secretary-General for the World Society of Victimology, and the Deputy Chair for the Society’s United Nations Liaison Committee. He is also a member of the NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice that is affiliated with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, Vienna Austria. He is a Foundation Board Member of Victim Support Asia, and the VSA UN Focal Point. As well, he is a member of the International Network Assisting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM).
Michael serves as an ‘expert’ volunteer with the United Nations on projects, including the revision of the Handbook on Justice for Victims of Crime, the drafting of Principles and Guidelines to Assist, Protect and Support Victims of Terrorism in Asia Pacific, and the development of model legislative provision to support the needs of and protect the rights of victims of terrorism. He has also acted as a moderator for UN events, such as the Congress for Victims of Terrorism.
He also lectures and writes in the fields of victimology and criminal justice. He has edited several books and is on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Victimology and Victim Justice. He is also an Advisory Board Member, Centre for Criminology, Criminal Justice & Victimology, RGNUL.
Consistent with his commitment to giving voice to vulnerable groups, he is the Victim Advocate (Prisoners’ Children) for Second Chances SA; a White Ribbon Ambassador (since 2008); a With You, We Can campaigner for Independent Legal Representation for Victims, and the Patron, Love Hope and Gratitude Foundation.
In 1995 he was awarded the Australia Police Medal (APM) for his work to advance responses to the needs of victims of crime. In 2010 he received Victim Support Australasia’ national award for advancing Victimology and promoting victims’ rights; and, in 2017 he became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). In 2018, the World Society of Victimology presented Michael with the Irene Melup Certificate of Appreciation. He has twice been a finalist-nominee for the South Australia division of the Australian of the Year.
As an Australia Day Ambassador, Michael has attended Australia Day events across South Australia in, among other places, Coober Pedy, Cooper Triangle, Millicent, Karonda, Elliston and Tatiara.
Michael O'Connell AM APM 