Australian Capital Territory 

Official Visitor (Housing Assistance)
Appointment 2013
Disallowable instrument DI2013-328
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, section 10 (Appointment)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This instrument appoints Ms Dianne Lucas as an official visitor for a period commencing on 1 March 2014 and ending on 28 February 2017. 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 one person who possesses suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of an official visitor under the Housing Assistance Act 2007. The Minister must not appoint a public employee as an official visitor. Ms Lucas is not a public employee.

Ms Lucas has recent and relevant experience working with the homelessness sector as a self-employed community sector consultant. Ms Lucas has previously worked as a lecturer and tutor in the areas of advocacy and inclusion, socio-cultural politics and professional practice at the University of Canberra. Over the course of her career, Ms Lucas has worked closely with the homelessness sector, through mentoring and supervision of community sector managers, facilitating workshops and training, review of programs and the development of service models for homelessness services. 

Ms Lucas has worked with a breadth of clients including Canberra-based women’s refuges, the YWCA of Canberra, the Women’s Information and Referral Service, Carers ACT, CANFACS, Anglicare and Respite Care ACT.