Australian of the Year

Shakira Robertson is a fearless 22‑year‑old campaigner for the prevention of violence against women and children.  

After her mother, Jacqui Lee Purton, was killed by her ex-partner in 2023, Shakira became the sole carer to her three younger brothers. Determined to honour her mother’s memory, Shakira co‑founded a grassroots initiative offering peer group mentoring and support for women and children called Her Strength. Her Story.    

When her mother’s killer received a more lenient manslaughter sentence due to a legal loophole, Shakira launched the legislative reform effort known as Jacqui’s Law. Shakira is campaigning for amendments to the Tasmanian Criminal Code whereby vehicles would be classified as weapons when used to commit domestic violence offences. Shakira’s online petition is gaining support across Tasmania.   

Alongside her policy work, Shakira co‑created the Butterflies and Boots Gala, an uplifting event for survivors of domestic or family abuse.  

Shakira is fearlessly reshaping Tasmania’s response to domestic and family violence.