ROSIE Batty has been thrust into the spotlight for diametrically opposed reasons; the murder of her son Luke by his father and her inspirational decision to face the media onslaught with honesty, integrity and heartbreaking determination.

And then, as she was chosen to be our 2015 Australian of the Year, accepted gracefully on that sunny Australia Day on Capitol Hill from Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

She is now a spokesperson for us all with a sensible and well articulated resolve to make a difference in this her year of living a dream after an unimaginable nightmare.

Her address to the National Press Club will long be remembered as one of the best and it cemented her position in public life, if she chooses, to be that calm, cool-headed advocate who chooses her words well and does not resile from telling it as it is.

Domestic “terrorism” is where she will make a difference as she continues to niggle away at government to fund programs as two women are being murdered every week, others suffer in silence and children experience collateral damage.

Rosie Batty is a beautiful woman with a winning smile; her address a breath of fresh air in this arena so often one of posturing and pandering.