Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Indigenous Official Visitor) Appointment 2012 (No 1)
Disallowable instrument DI2012 – 5
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 57(1) (Official Visitors- Appointment)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This instrument appoints Ms Tracey Whetnall as an Indigenous Official Visitor for a period commencing on 17 January 2012 and ending on 16 January 2014.  The maximum permitted term for appointment of an official visitor under the Act is three years. Ms Whetnall was originally appointed for one year. This reappointment is for a further two years. . 

The appointment of an Official Visitor 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 Indigenous Official Visitor.  Ms Whetnall is not a public employee.

Ms Whetnall is an Aboriginal woman who is well known and well respected within the ACT community.  She has been actively involved with Indigenous agencies and has a sound knowledge of the issues facing Indigenous detainees and their families.