Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Official Visitor) Appointment 2008 (No 2)
Disallowable instrument DI2008– 253
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 57(1)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This instrument appoints Mr Craig Sams as an official visitor beginning on the day after the instrument of appointment is notified, and ending on 30 September 2009.

The appointment of an official visitor for the Alexander Maconochie Centre and the Symonston Temporary Remand Centre is provided for under section 57 of the Corrections Management Act 2007.  Under that section, the Minister must appoint at least one person who possesses suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of an official visitor.  The Minister must not appoint a public employee as an official visitor.  Mr Sams is not a public employee.

The maximum term of appointment is three years.

Mr Sams has direct and extensive experience with people from diverse backgrounds, specifically those in a custodial setting.  He is currently an investigator with a specialisation in grievance handling and was formerly a member of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Mr Sams has undertaken studies in criminal law in conjunction with his previous roles within the AFP and demonstrates a sound understanding of the correctional and remand environment.