Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Disability Services) Appointment 2017 (No 2)

Disallowable instrument DI2017- 207
made under the 
Official Visitor Act 2012, s 10(1)(c) (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 Disability Services Act 1991. 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 Ms Mary Durkin and Ms Narelle Hargreaves as OV’s for the purposes of the Disability Services Act 1991. The Minister for Disability, Children and Youth Development recommended the appointment of Mary Durkin and the 
re-appointment of Narelle Hargreaves as persons who are experienced and 
well-qualified.
As required under subsection 10(2) of the OV Act, the appointing Minister has consulted with the operational Minister (being the Minister for Disability, Children and Youth Development) and is satisfied on reasonable grounds that Ms Mary Durkin and Ms Narelle Hargreaves have suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Disability Services Act 1991.
Further, both Ms Mary Durkin and Ms Narelle Hargreaves are not excluded from appointment by being a public employee or holding a relevant interest as defined under S.10(3) of the OV Act.
In addition, Ms Mary Durkin and Ms Narelle Hargreaves are not public servants as defined under the Legislation Act 2001.