Australian Capital Territory
Official Visitor (Mental Health) 2017 Appointment (No 1)
Disallowable instrument DI2017-319 
made under the
Official Visitor Act 2012, section 10(1)(e)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Section10(1)(e) of the Official Visitor Act 2012 (OV Act) authorises the Minister to appoint at least one official visitor, for the purposes of the Mental Health Act 2015. 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 Kay Barralet and Mr Shannon Pickles for the purposes of the Mental Health Act 2015.  The Minister for Mental Health has recommended the re-appointments of Ms Barralet and Mr Pickles 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 Mental Health) and is satisfied on reasonable grounds that Ms Kay Barralet and Mr Shannon Pickles have suitable qualifications or experience to exercise the functions of official visitor for the purposes of the Mental Health Act 2015.
Further, Ms Kay Barralet and Mr Shannon Pickles are 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 Kay Barralet and Mr Shannon Pickles are not public servants as defined under the Legislation Act 2001.