Australian Capital Territory
Crimes (Sentence Administration) (Sentence Administration Board) Appointment 2017 (No 6)
Disallowable instrument DI2017–44
made under the 
Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005, s 174 (Appointment of board members)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005 (the Act), amongst other things, governs the constitution and functions of the Sentence Administration Board of the ACT (the board). The board’s functions are detailed under section 172 of the Act, and sections 171 and 173-4 provide for the establishment and membership of the board. Under section 174 of the Act, the Minister is required to appoint a chairperson; at least one deputy chairperson (and not more than two deputy chairpersons) and not more than eight other members to the Board.

This instrument appoints Ms Laura Beacroft in a judicial position as the Chair of the Sentence Administration Board for the period commencing on 14 May 2017 and ending on 13 May 2020. 

Ms Beacroft has a broad educational background and work history. She has qualifications in social sciences as well as legal qualifications. She has been a legal practitioner for over five years. The Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005 requires the Chair of the Sentence Administration Board to be judicially qualified. 

Ms Beacroft has worked in research, regulatory and statutory decision-making roles within Government and has undertaken pro-bono work within the community sector. She has recognised theoretical and practical expertise in the justice system, administration law, indigenous issues, disadvantaged children and young people, violence against women and children, and slavery. 

Ms Beacroft is not a public servant.