The AFL Players’ Association is pleased to announce that Kristen Hilton has joined the board of the AFLPA as an independent director for a two-year term and will also chair the Association’s newly formed Human Rights Steering Committee.

Ms. Hilton has more than 20 years of legal, regulatory, policy and advocacy experience specialising in equality law and human rights. She has worked across public, private and community sectors and has deep expertise in gender equality, human rights, ethical leadership, diversity and inclusion and organisational change.

Specifically, Ms. Hilton served for five years as Victoria’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, leading a strategic and high impact policy. In this role she promoted and protected human rights and equality across Victoria and led the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in creating a rights respecting culture within organisations, government, and communities.

During her term, Ms. Hilton also led major independent reviews into sexual harassment and discrimination in Victoria Police, the review into Equality and Diversity in Victoria’s Fire Services and, in 2020, commenced a multi-year inquiry into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria. Most recently, she led a review into the culture of Victoria’s custodial system.

Ms. Hilton will serve as independent director on the AFLPA Board, which was reconstituted in 2022 to allow for player parity and expansion to three independent directors.

The Human Rights Steering Committee will be responsible for driving the direction and implementation of the AFLPA’s Human Rights Framework as we seek to positively impact the experience our current players are having in the industry and provide greater support for our past players.

Ms. Hilton said she was thrilled to join the AFLPA in these two important areas.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to join the AFLPA Board and Chair the newly formed Human Rights Steering Committee,” Ms. Hilton said.

“AFL and AFLW players have a particular standing in our community and the opportunity they have to influence and drive positive outcomes is significant.

“I believe the AFLPA are showing a genuine commitment to better promote equality and respect and the AFL industry has a genuine opportunity to take a leadership role in this area.

“I look forward to helping with this critically important work.”

AFLPA President, Patrick Dangerfield, said Ms. Hilton brings much needed expertise that will significantly benefit the AFLPA and the industry.

“Kristen brings a wealth of experience to the AFLPA Board, particularly in the areas of leadership, law, human rights and equal opportunity,” Dangerfield said.

“Our 10-year vision for the AFLPA has human rights as a key pillar, and in addition to her role as a Board member, we are excited to have Kristen chairing the Human Rights steering committee. 

“In addition to her incredible professional experiences, Kristen has a passion for football and for the players and all at the AFLPA welcome her to our organisation.”

The AFLPA Board consists of Patrick Dangerfield (President), Phil Davis (Vice President), Annalyse Lister (Vice-President), Tom Jonas, Kerryn Peterson, Cat Phillips, Isabel Huntington, Ed Curnow, Darcy Moore, Paul Marsh (AFLPA CEO), Kristen Hilton, past player Chris Heffernan, and Andrew Twaits (Independent Chair).

KRISTEN HILTON

• Victorian Department of Justice and Community Services – Lead, Independent Review Adult Corrections System
• BHP – Expert adviser
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission – Commissioner
• Victoria Legal Aid – Executive Director, Legal Practice
• Victoria Legal Aid – Executive Director, Civil Justice and Access
• Public Interest Law Clearing House – Executive Director
• 2006 Churchill Fellowship recipient
• 2007 Law Institute Community Lawyer of the Year