A high-profile Kyabram export has been named as the newest board member of the AFL Player’s Association.
Kristen Hilton, who grew up in the town and still has strong family connections, 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.
An ALFPA release explained she had been added to the board and appointed chair of the newly formed committee because of her 20 years of legal, regulatory, policy and advocacy experience specialising in equality law and human rights.
Ms Hilton served for five years as Victoria’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner and led the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in creating a rights respecting culture within organisations, government, and communities.
She also led major independent reviews into sexual harassment and discrimination in Victoria Police and, in 2020, started 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 Mr Hilton brought 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).