Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Housing Assistance) Appointment 2017
Disallowable instrument DI2017‑25
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, s 10 (Appointment)
 
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section 10(1)(c) of the Official Visitor Act 2012 (OV Act) authorises the Minister to appoint at least one official visitor for the purposes of the Housing Assistance Act 2007.  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 Dianne Lucas as OV for the purposes of the Housing Assistance Act 2007.  The Minister for Housing and Suburban Development commended the re-appointment of Ms Lucas as a person who is well-qualified with recent and relevant experience working in the homelessness sector.
As required under subsection 10(2) of the OV Act, the appointing Minister has consulted with the operational Minister (being the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development) and is satisfied on reasonable grounds that Ms Lucas has suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Housing Assistance Act 2007.
Ms Lucas is not excluded from appointment by being a public employee or holding a relevant interest as defined under section 10(3) of the OV Act.  In addition, Ms Lucas is not a public servant as defined under the Legislation Act 2001.