Australian Capital Territory 

Official Visitor (Children and Young People) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Appointment 2013
Disallowable instrument DI2013-325
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, section 10 (Appointment)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This instrument appoints Ms Tracey Whetnall as an official visitor for a period commencing on 1 March 2014 and ending on 28 February 2015. The maximum permitted term of appointment is three years. 
The appointment of an official visitor is provided for under section 10 of the Official Visitor Act 2012. Under this section, the Minister must appoint at least two people who possess suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of an official visitor under the Children and Young People Act 2008. 

The Minister must not appoint a public employee as an official visitor. Ms Whetnall is not a public employee. The Minister must appoint one person who is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Ms Whetnall is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

Ms Whetnall is an experienced official visitor and was previously the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander official visitor for the Corrections Management Act 2007 on the basis of her strong understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Ms Whetnall has demonstrated a commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people throughout her career, including as a Director of Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Corporation and while working on programs helping children and families.  She has a strong understanding of the justice system and as a volunteer attends police interviews with young Aboriginal detainees.