Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to UN Committee Against Torture, 17 October 2014 117. The Commission notes that in addition to evaluating many of the projects funded under the National Plan, the ongoing and consistent monitoring and evaluation of the complete delivery of the National Plan is critical to ensure it realises its initial objectives and achieves short, medium and long term goals 118. The Commission intervened in the Coronial Inquest into the death of Andrea Louise Pickett in 2012. Andrea was an Aboriginal woman murdered by her husband while he was on parole for breaching a Violence Restraining Order following a long history of domestic violence. The matter demonstrates a range of systemic failures by the Western Australian government at the time, including: • The failure of the parole system to prevent re-offending, including through failure to assess risk appropriately and ensure appropriate levels of supervision • The failure to adequately investigate breaches of restraining orders and allegations of domestic violence promptly, seriously and thoroughly • The failure to provide adequate training to police about the nature and consequences of family violence, particularly in relation to Aboriginal women • Failures to consider the best interests of the child. 119. In its submissions to the Coronial Inquest the Commission recommended that the state government implement an independent and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program of the measures taken to implement the state’s obligations with respect to domestic violence.108 There is significant value in rigorous monitoring and evaluation of measures to address domestic violence. The Commission’s submission is available here. The Coroner’s findings are available here. 120. At the request of the Australian government, the Commission conducted a Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) between 2011 and 2013.109 A second phase commenced in 2014 and is reviewing the effectiveness of cultural change strategies and initiatives required to improve leadership pathways for women in the ADF. 121. An outcome of the initial review was the establishment of a Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) within the ADF that can respond to unrestricted and restricted (confidential) reports of sexual harassment and abuse and provide appropriate support to complainants. SeMPRO also provides an important education and prevention function across the ADF. 122. The Commission commends the ADF for its commitment to improving the treatment of women in the armed forces, including through establishing the SeMPRO. 30