Rosie Batty joins Melbourne hospital board

Anti-family violence campaigner Rosie Batty has been appointed to the board of Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital.

Royal Women's Hospital board appointee Rosie Batty has been described as a 'hero' to the community. (AAP)

Rosie Batty's appointment to Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital board will provide a vital voice for family violence victims, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos says.

Ms Mikakos said Ms Batty was an appropriate choice because hospitals were often the first port of call family violence victims turn to for help.

"Rosie Batty, is a hero of mine, she's a hero of so many people in the community," Ms Mikakos told reporters.

"Rosie Batty has been selected because of her expertise, her advocacy, and she's going to be able to make an enormous contribution to the Royal Women's Hospital."

Ms Batty is a former Australian of the Year who was also recently recognised in the Queen's birthday honours list for her work on family violence, since the murder of her son Luke at the hands of his father.

She has also been drawn into the controversy surrounding CFMMEU boss John Setka, after he was accused of telling union colleagues that her advocacy had led to men having fewer rights.