Queensland’s victims’ commissioner has resigned following a report that laid bare issues at DVConnect during some of her time leading the helpline.<\/p>\n
Beck O’Connor was appointed victims’ commissioner by the former Labor government in July last year after previously serving as chief executive of DVConnect.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Premier David Crisafulli suggested Ms O’Connor had questions to answer after a government-commissioned report raised concerns with the helpline.<\/p>\n
Ms O’Connor has previously denied any wrongdoing or impropriety.<\/p>\n
Speaking in state parliament on Tuesday, Minister for Victim Support Laura Gerber said Ms O’Connor had notified her that she would resign from September 23.<\/p>\n
“The Crisafulli government has thanked Ms Beck O’Connor for her contribution as Queensland’s first victims’ commissioner,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I wish to acknowledge Ms O’Connor’s work as the victims’ commissioner and her efforts to promote the charter of victims’ rights and advocacy on the issues affecting victims.<\/p>\n
“In her time as victims’ commissioner, Ms O’Connor raised awareness of victims’ rights and ensured victims of crime have had a priority voice at the table.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Laura Gerber told parliament of Beck O’Connor’s resignation. (AAP: Jono Searle)<\/p>\n
Ms Gerber said acting arrangements would be put in place.<\/p>\n
In a statement on social media, Ms O’Connor said it had been an honour to serve as the inaugural victims’ commissioner.<\/p>\n
“For me, this role is both a professional duty and a personal commitment,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Not just in raising awareness of victims’ rights, or calling for stronger protections, but to make sure I have authentically represented victim-survivors in discussions, consultations or decisions made.<\/p>\n
“By talking directly with people, communities, and services throughout Queensland, I have listened and learnt. I have put forward many recommendations for change that reflect the different needs and hopes that you have shared with me.”<\/p>\n
Report finds spike in unanswered calls<\/p>\n
The report into DVConnect, put together by BDO, found the number of abandoned calls at the helpline increased by 388 per cent between July 2023 and March 2025.<\/p>\n
In October 2024, after Ms O’Connor had left the helpline, the volume of abandoned calls was “almost equal to answered calls”.<\/p>\n
The report also raised issues with rostering, noting the actual hours worked on crisis services consistently fell below DVConnect staff rostered hours between July 2023 and October 2024.<\/p>\n
“The lowest point in total hours worked was in December 2023 when DVConnect staff only worked 57 per cent of the hours they had been rostered\/expected to work,” it said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Last month David Crisafulli suggested Beck O’Connor had questions to answer after a report raised concerns with the DVConnect helpline. (ABC News)<\/p>\n
The report also homes in on how DVConnect lost a contract to deliver the 1800RESPECT line through Telstra Health.<\/p>\n
It says board minutes suggested the relationship between Telstra Health and DVConnect was “fraught” as of February 2023.<\/p>\n
By May 2024, Telstra Health advised DVConnect it would terminate the 1800RESPECT contract.<\/p>\n
‘Challenging circumstances’<\/p>\n
Ms O’Connor has previously defended her time heading up DVConnect.<\/p>\n
“Throughout my tenure, I always followed governance standards. I stepped away from all operational authority and decision-making in mid-July 2024,” she said on August 12.<\/p>\n
“I applaud the ongoing work at DVConnect under challenging circumstances.<\/p>\n
“I have read and reviewed the reports and would welcome any discussion with the premier.”<\/p>\n