By Bob McCoskrie

Raised in New Zealand, Rachael is the CEO of Women’s Forum Australia, an independent think tank that undertakes research, education and public policy advocacy on social, economic, health and cultural issues affecting women. She is also a former barrister, and an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Before moving to Australia, Rachael worked with the Law Reform Commission in Samoa to bring about legislative reform to improve the lives of Samoan women and girls.

Prior to this, she practised as a Solicitor in Auckland, predominantly in immigration and refugee law, and has volunteered in various human rights related roles.

Rachael has a particular interest in the crossover between law, ethics, health care, human rights and women’s issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Auckland, and a Master of Bioethics and Health Law (Distinction) from the University of Otago.