We speak with Gabby Hunt about her research into safeguarding practices within Australian faith-based organisations. Gabby’s research paper, "Just tick the box and move on": Australian Christian religious leaders reflect on safeguarding practices in their settings, examines how safeguarding is understood, operationalised, and embedded into the policies and practices of religious organisations. In this interview, Gabby shares insights from her research that are directly relevant for organisations like Kooyoora, reflecting on the barriers leaders face, the cultural shifts needed for authentic safeguarding, and the practices that can help faith-based communities embed child safety at the core of their mission.

Kooyoora provides independent professional standards services to seven Anglican Dioceses in Australia and thirteen Dioceses and Amorangi in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Originating with the Anglican Dioceses of Melbourne and Bendigo, the service model has evolved over six years to meet the needs of each diocese. Based on a continuum of independence, services range from fully managed end-to-end delivery to specific components such as investigations, clearances, and redress, depending on each diocese’s requirements. This article outlines how dioceses retain ownership of their frameworks, while Kooyoora delivers services through a structure that ensures transparency, fairness, and accountability, maintaining a clear commitment to truth telling and independence.

In 2025, the Kooyoora Office of Professional Standards welcomes several new appointments across the Professional Standards Committee, Board, and Review Board, as well as the appointment of a new Ombudsman. These appointments support Kooyoora’s independent statutory role in handling complaints, screening, redress, and training for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. New appointees bring extensive experience across legal, academic, and community sectors.