Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Children and Young People) 2016 Appointment (No 1)
Disallowable instrument DI2016‑62
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, section 10(1)(a)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section10(1)(a) of the Official Visitor Act 2012 authorises the Minister to appoint at least one official visitor for the purposes of the Children and Young People Act 2008  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 the ‘closed’ environments of youth and adult corrections and mental health, and as a result of changes made by the Official Visitor Act 2012, OV operate in the ‘open’ environments including disability and homelessness services.
This instrument appoints William Bashford as an official visitor for the purposes of the Children and Young People Act 2008.  Mr Bashford is currently the Managing Coordinator of the Solid Aboriginal Consultancy (Solid Young Sista's and Brotha's Aboriginal Corporation) and has a strong understanding of the needs of young people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Mr Bashford has demonstrated a commitment to supporting young people throughout his career.  He has a strong understanding of the justice system, past roles including being a respected community member on the ACT Courts Circle Sentencing, a member on the ACT NAIDOC Committee and a past Treasurer of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service.

Mr Bashford has suitable qualifications and experience to exercise the functions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander official visitor for the Children and Young People Act 2008.
As required under subsection 10(2) of the Official Visitor Act 2012, the appointing Minister has consulted with the operational Minister (Minister for Children and Young People) and is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that Mr Bashford has suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Children and Young People Act 2008.
Mr Bashford is not a public servant as defined under the Legislation Act 2001and 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 2012.
As required by the Legislation Act 2001, 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 Mr Bashford as official visitor.