Sharon Paten

Sharon is a proud Gunai woman descended from East Gippsland with almost thirty years working with, and for, the Victorian Aboriginal community in strategic policy development and implementation, organisational management and economic development roles.

Sharon was responsible for leading Aboriginal Housing Victoria from a small not-for-profit, Government funded advisory body to a Housing Provider with a portfolio of over 1,300 properties across the state of Victoria. She also played an integral role in the development of the (former) Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Strategy.

Sharon has a passion for improving outcomes for and on behalf of the Victorian Aboriginal community. She is committed to supporting Victoria Police build community confidence and trust and strengthen its relationship with local Aboriginal communities across Victoria to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal men, women, children and young people in the criminal justice system as victims and offenders.

As the Aboriginal Portfolio Manager, Sharon is leading the Aboriginal Affairs reform work across Victoria Police including the provision of strategic advice and representation at relevant forums and cross government meetings, as well as supporting the organisation meet its commitments under whole of government frameworks. This means that action occurs on the ground where people experience issues most acutely.