Independent review of Bimberi incident


Released 27/08/2019

The ACT Government has appointed Peter Muir to conduct an independent review into events at Bimberi Youth Detention Centre on 26 August 2019, involving a number of Bimberi staff and young people.

Mr Muir has 40 years’ experience in the human services sector, having served as the Director General of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Assistant Director General in the Department of Family and Community Services in NSW. His specialty areas include out-of-home care, youth justice and child protection.

Mr Muir will arrive in Canberra today to begin the review process, meeting with officials from the Community Services Directorate, before heading to Bimberi to commence the review.

"The safety and care of young people and staff at Bimberi remains our highest priority," said Minister for Children, Youth Families, Rachel Stephen Smith MLA.

"I have commissioned this review to investigate the circumstances around the incident on Monday night.

"I have also asked Mr Muir to include a review of the circumstances in which a young person absconded from escorted leave earlier this week from the Canberra Hospital.

"The Terms of Reference will be discussed with Mr Muir this afternoon," said the Minister.

ACT Policing and WorkSAFE ACT are conducting their own investigations, and the Community Services Directorate will continue to work closely with ACT Policing and WorkSafe ACT whilst these investigations are underway.

The Community Services Directorate will also continue to ensure that staff and young people are receiving appropriate support following this incident.

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Caitlin Cook

(02) 6207 8731

0434 702 827

caitlin.cook@act.gov.au


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases