Phil Cleary grew up in Coburg in Melbourne’s northern suburbs where he completed an Arts degree at La Trobe University, majoring in politics and sociology. He is a former teacher, VFA/VFL premiership player and coach, and Independent member of the federal parliament – winning former PM Bob Hawke’s seat of Wills at a by-election in 1992 and at the general election in 1993.

Phil is a passionate advocator against family violence, and the author of three books; Cleary Independent (1998), Just another little murder (2002) and Getting away with murder (2005).

Since the murder of his 25-year-old sister, Vicki, in 1987 Phil has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop violence against women. It’s widely acknowledged that his books, newspaper articles and media commentaries were pivotal to the abolition of the law of provocation in Victoria and changing community attitudes to violence against women.  Phil is active in speaking to football clubs, community groups and businesses on how they can play a role in ending violence against women.

In July 2016, Phil was appointed to the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council. Following the recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Victorian Government established the council to advise and consult on the extensive family violence reform agenda in the state. Chaired by former Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, and comprising of 12 members who all have a lived experience of family violence, Phil has contributed to the work of the council in many significant ways.

Phil has played a major role in shaping how Victoria responds, and works to prevent, family violence. The level and type of engagement is unseen in other jurisdictions both in Australia and overseas.

 

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Speaking and community engagement

Whilst the anti-violence campaign has become a major part of my life, I did spend 4 years in the federal parliament, 18 years as a player and coach with Coburg in the VFA/VFL, 30 years broadcasting VFA/VFL football, have interviewed a stream of AFL identities – Malthouse, Judd, Brereton, Roos, et al – for the Northern Blues breakfasts and have a regular spot on SEN with Andy Maher and Bob Murphy.

I also discussed the McEnroe – Court issue with them and the Sports Grants question.

“What a pleasure it was to have Phil come and speak at our club. As Mansfield Football Netball Club’s first female President and with the local (female) Mayor in attendance the day reinforced to me the importance of Women’s ever-increasing role in local communities. It is incumbent on me and those like me to continue to find ways to spread the word and Phil’s story certainly helps. The nature of Phil’s experience drew raw emotion from everyone in the room, it must remain hard for him to talk about. Having said that his Sister has clearly inspired him to be at the forefront of the battle that is violence against women. He honours her with his work, she would be proud of him.” “In addition to the emotion of the day I would like to think that our town has made significant steps toward the protection of Women. The men that attended came away with life changing attitudes to what is and what is not acceptable. There is a sense that this was not a one off, but it forms part of a well-planned and ongoing determination to make sure the Woman of our town and beyond are treated well. We hope to maintain our relationship with Phil to help us facilitate our leadership in this area. Our Club and our Community stands ready to continue the battle and we thank Phil Cleary for helping to motivate, inspire & drive Women’s basic rights.”

Belinda DeMaria – Mansfield Football Netball Club President

 

 

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