Shorten sees merit in family violence inquiry after Rosie Batty named Australian of the Year

A national royal commission into family violence is merited, says federal opposition Leader Bill Shorten after Rosie Batty was named Australian of the Year 2015.

Ms Batty, whose 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father at cricket training almost a year ago, received the top honour yesterday in recognition of her campaigning against domestic violence in spite of overwhelming personal grief.

Mr Shorten says Ms Batty has given Australia a chance to tackle the issue for all victims who have never been able to speak up.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has pledged a royal commission into family violence, and Mr Shorten says there is merit in a national inquiry.

"I certainly would be prepared to consider that," he told reporters today.

"Domestic violence is a national issue," Mr Shorten said.

"Our police, our refuges, our welfare people do marvellous work supporting the victims and their children, but I do think that, nationally, this is an appropriate matter for the national parliament to address."

Mr Shorten said he applauded the decision to name Ms Batty Australian of the Year.

"Rosie Batty's award is not just for her, I think it's on behalf of all of those victims of family violence which have never been able to speak up," he said.