Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Corrections Management) Appointment 2015 (No 1)
Disallowable instrument DI2015—154
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, section 10(1)(b)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section10(1)(b) of the Official Visitor Act 2012 authorises the Minister to appoint at least two official visitors for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007  one of whom must be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person.  The function of official visitors (OVs) is to work to protect human rights in different environments.  OVs operate in ‘closed’ environments of youth and adult corrections and mental health, and in ‘open’ environments including disability and homelessness services.
This instrument appoints Dr Judy Putt, as official visitor for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007.  Dr Putt is currently appointed as official visitor for the Corrections Management Act 2007.
Dr Putt is suitable for re-appointment having regard to her extensive experience in related fields through employment and academic study.  Dr Putt has demonstrated a balanced, measured concept of appropriate engagement with stakeholders in a correctional context and has demonstrated interpersonal skills in dealing with disadvantaged or diverse people.
Dr Putt has suitable qualifications and experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the Corrections Management Act 2007.
As required under subsection 10(2) of the Official Visitor Act, the appointing Minister has consulted with the operational Minister (the Minister for Justice) and is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that Dr Putt has suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007.
Further, Dr Putt is not excluded from appointment by being a public employee or holding a relevant interest as defined under subsection 10(3) of the Official Visitor Act.
In addition, Dr Putt is not a public servant as defined under the Legislation Act 2001. 
As required by the Legislation Act, the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety has been consulted on the appointment.  The Committee has advised that it has no comments on the appointment of Dr Putt as official visitor.