Released 01/01/2018
The ACT Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), with an advisory committee of community members to guide the process.
In an update to the ACT Legislative Assembly today Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson said the advisory committee would consist of members of the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and will be established to advise on key aspects of setting up the Board of Inquiry, including the scope of the terms of reference and the appointment of members of the board. Their leadership, perspectives and lived experience will be critical to shaping the inquiry
The community advisory committee is expected to commence before the end of the year, with an expression of interest process to be undertaken shortly.
Speaking in the Assembly, Minister Paterson acknowledged the ongoing grief of the families of those who have died in the AMC.
“I have heard your calls for answers, for justice and for change, and I reaffirm the ACT Government’s commitment to a Board of Inquiry,” Minister Paterson said.
“Today I have provided an update on the government’s work with the community to progress towards a meaningful and comprehensive inquiry into the deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the AMC.”
Given the inquiry will relate to very personal and traumatic events for individuals, the government will work to ensure the needs for healing, cultural connection and support to community and families are respected and met throughout the process.
The government also confirmed the inquiry could take place in parallel with current and upcoming coronial processes, rather than having to wait until they were completed. The Board of Inquiry will investigate the systemic issues regarding deaths in custody rather than individual circumstances.
“The government is committed to providing corrective services that are rehabilitative and culturally safe,” said Minister Paterson.
“While planning continues for the Board of Inquiry, the government will continue to build on existing work in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system. This includes commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 and responding to the recommendations of the Jumbunna Institute’s report into over-representation in the ACT criminal justice system.”
A webpage has been set up to inform the community of updates regarding the Board of Inquiry: Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre - ACT Government.
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases