The ACT Government has appointed seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberran's, including a representative from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, to a new community advisory committee to help shape the establishment of a Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
The committee members will help shape the inquiry by advising on the scope and objectives for the terms of reference, and desirable skills, experience, qualities and in potential board members.
Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson thanked the new committee members for their willingness to assist with the foundation of the Board of Inquiry.
"This is important progress in the establishment of the Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre," Minister Paterson said.
"The selected committee members each bring unique perspectives and experiences to help shape this Board of Inquiry."
After an expression of interest process, the government has appointed six community members – Carl King, Fred Monaghan, Selina Walker, Tyron Day, Tahlia-Rose Vanissum, and Wayne Applebee – to join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body member Kaylene McLeod on the seven-person advisory committee. The committee will be facilitated by Geoff Richardson PSM.
The committee has a cross-section of community members, including those who have been directly impacted by the death of a family member in custody, community leaders and those with experience in justice, health, community services and governance.
The advisory committee will meet in the new year to begin the work of advising Government on the Board of Inquiry.
