Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Corrections Management) Appointment 2017 (No 4)
Disallowable instrument DI2017-293
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, s.10(1)(b)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section 10(1)(b) of the Official Visitor Act 2012 (OV Act) authorises the Minister to appoint at least two Official Visitors for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007 including one Official Visitor who is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. 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 Denise Brasser for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007. 
Mr Rattenbury MLA is currently Minister responsible for both the OV Act (as appointing Minister) and the Corrections Management Act 2007 (as Operational Minister). Section 10(2) of the OV Act requires the appointing Minister to consult with the Operational Minister (being the Minister for Corrections).  As Mr Rattenbury currently fills both roles, he has both recommended and appoints Ms Brasser as a person who is experienced and well-qualified. The Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that Ms Brasser has suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of Official Visitor for the purposes of the Corrections Management Act 2007. 
Ms Brasser is not excluded from appointment by being a public employee or holding a relevant interest as defined under s 10(3) of the OV Act.