A powerful inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody in the ACT will examine systemic issues to avoid "indeterminate" delays while the Coroner holds inquests into individual cases, the Corrections Minister says.
Marisa Paterson said the government would soon invite expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to sit on an advisory committee, which would shape the terms of reference and the appointment of the board.
Kurrajong independent Thomas Emerson introduced the motion to call on the government to establish the board of inquiry, which noted three Aboriginal detainees had died in the Alexander Maconochie Centre in a six-month period and "recent deaths in custody raise serious concerns that require targeted and thorough examination to ensure systemic improvements for Aboriginal detainees and their families".
Mr Emerson on Tuesday said it was disappointing the government had not been able to provide a clear start date.
The government, which amended and supported Mr Emerson's motion, had long tempered calls for a royal commission-style inquiry into the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in its prison.
Read the full article here: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9072413/systemic-aboriginal-deaths-in-custody-inquiry-to-avoid-delays/