Biography
Former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Ms Nixon was appointed in February 2009 to chair the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and tasked with the oversight and coordination of the largest recovery and rebuilding program Victoria has ever faced.
Under Christine’s leadership, the Authority worked with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other government departments to help people rebuild their lives and communities.
Since August 2010, Christine has moved into a role as the Victorian Government’s Advisor on Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery, a voluntary role. She continues to support communities, to work with the bereaved community, and remains a member of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund panel.
Christine’s priority is to help communities recover and rebuild in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, and respectful of each community’s different needs.
Prior to joining the Authority, Christine was the 19th Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, the first woman to become a police commissioner in Australia. She led 14,000 staff, operating across more than 500 locations and oversaw an annual budget of $1.7 billion.
Nixon was a police officer for over thirty years and prior to becoming Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police she had an extensive career in the New South Wales Police Force, attaining the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
Nixon's performance as Chief Commissioner, in a sometimes controversial career where she challenged the institution to improve, is probably best assessed by a credible and academically rigorous study produced on behalf of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) by the Australian Productivity Commission - “…..overall high levels of community satisfaction and support for Victoria Police. Personally, Nixon enjoys very high levels of public support.”
In 2011, “Fair Cop” was published. It “candidly shares the public and private stories of Christine Nixon – woman, spouse, citizen, constable – on a journey that encounters tragedy, corruption, ambition and humility.” It was published through Random House, written by Christine Nixon with Jo Chandler.
In line with her public speaking skills, she is a contributor and lecturer in various leadership forums, including the Australian and New Zealand School of Government and Harvard University’s Policing Leadership Dialogue series. Christine also creates and delivers leadership courses with the primary aim of helping women to achieve positions of power and influence.
She is a Fellow in various organizations, including the Australian Institute of Police Management, the Australian Institute of Management, and the Institute of Public Administration Australia, and she serves as Patron, member or advisor to a number of organisations including the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, Onside Victoria, Operation Newstart Victoria and The Phoenix Club Inc.
Her rise to the top and her unique view on women in law enforcement and the workplace makes Christine one of the most informational and inspirational public speakers in the country. Her presentations focus on women in business, succeeding in a male dominated profession, and how to build both leadership and teamwork skills. Christine is both intelligent and witty, making for a memorable and purposeful event.
Testimonials
A warm, authentic and experienced leader who engaged the Leadership group.
IAG
Christine’s lived experiences gave our staff, students and community audience some great insight into how leading with people as the focus in an engaged and positive way can directly impact the success of an organisation. How this can create an optimistic and constructive community culture that has the ability to make a difference and impact the lives of those within it.
Christine offered us all an inspired call to action for men to make space for women and for both men and women to ‘stop being afraid’ to challenge status quo and cultural norms when it comes to progressing gender equality.
Yarra Ranges Council and Women’s Health East were both thrilled to host Christine at our International Women’s Day event and would recommend having Christine share her wisdom and philosophies on leadership, challenges in progressing gender equality and fostering positive organisational culture and change.
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Christine was exactly the right speaker for our group. She was motivating, encouraging and understanding. Christine did her homework, took the time to get to know the group she was presenting to by coming early and observing and was just an absolute hit with our staff. Many of our guests on the day have indicated they could have listened to Christine and her stories and hear about her life experience for hours.
Children's Court of Victoria
Christine Nixon was very engaging with the audience. It was an inspiring speech.
Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria
Christine’s insights on culture, diversity and the achievements of women (of others, as well as her personal achievements) made a very positive and significant impact on our Metro audience – the content, style and messages were incredibly relevant and delivered in a very down to earth, compelling and honest manner. Christine’s ability to translate her experiences, passion and key messages in an engaging story telling manner that resonate with a broad audience is truly a great skill. Would highly recommend Christine as an engaging, personable and highly knowledgeable speaker.
Metro Trains
The audience we’re inspired and moved. Really genuine delivery and stories told.
EthicalJobs.com.au
Christine was an excellent speaker.
Queensland University of Technology
We received the following feedback from our staff: - Her insight and personal stories were an excellent example of how she was able to work her way up the corporate ladder and make positive change within a HUGE organisation. - Gave me an insight in to how to push yourself to improve your confidence in progressing within the work place. - Everyone has the ability to change to improve. - Christine Nixon was amazing - she is inspirational and managed to incorporate our values without actually using the words.
Country Fire Authority
Really linked in well with our theme for the workshop.
Goulburn Murray Water
Christine was wonderful! Generous with her time and experience. Our students (aged 19-22) did not all know of Christine due to their age but they found her experience and advice on leadership extremely valuable.
La Trobe University
Christine was able to relate to the field that she addressing, although we are completely different areas.
TRY Australia
