Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Housing Assistance) 2017 Appointment (No 2)
Disallowable instrument DI2017-206
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, s.10(1)(d) (Appointment)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section 10(1)(d) 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 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 Ms Dianne Lucas as Official Visitor for the purposes of the Housing Assistance Act 2007. 

As required under sub-section 10(2) of the OV Act, the appointing Minister has consulted with the operational Minister (being the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development). The Minister for Housing and Suburban Development recommended the re-appointment of Ms Lucas as a person who is well-qualified with recent and relevant experience working in the homelessness sector to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Housing Assistance Act 2007.
Ms Lucas is not a public servant as defined under the Legislation Act 2001.
Ms Lucas is not excluded from appointment by being a public employee or holding a relevant interest as defined under section10(3) of the OV Act.