ACTCOSS supports Board of Inquiry into the Treatment of Aboriginal Detainees

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) stands in full support of the motion introduced today by Independent MLA Mr Thomas Emerson, calling for a Board of Inquiry into the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people incarcerated in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). 

We echo the urgent calls of families and community leaders including Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services for an inquiry with real powers to uncover systemic failures, demand accountability and drive lasting reform. Such an inquiry is essential if we are to prevent further deaths and guarantee the safety of Aboriginal people in custody at the AMC. 

ACTCOSS CEO Dr Devin Bowles said: 

“For years, families and Aboriginal community leaders have campaigned for change — sharing their grief, their solutions, and their calls for accountability — yet the safety and dignity of Aboriginal people in custody is still not guaranteed.” 

“Winnunga, Aboriginal families, and advocates have spoken with courage and clarity. We stand with them in calling for a Board of Inquiry that is independent, transparent, and committed to justice reform.” 

“The history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over-incarceration and deaths in custody is bleak, and virtually all Canberrans want to better future. Following the recent deaths in custody, a Board of Inquiry will help us move toward that future. 

“It is time to ensure that Canberra’s prison is a place of rehabilitation rather than further trauma.”  

Chris Lee, a Larrakia/Karrajarri man with over 20 years’ experience in the criminal justice system and the newly appointed head of ACTCOSS’s Gulanga program added his support to Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services’ longstanding demand for systemic changes to be implemented at the AMC to stop the heartbreaking number of Aboriginal deaths in custody.

“Listen to us. We have been pleading for change in custodial settings since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody over three decades ago.” said Mr Lee.

ACTCOSS urges all members of the Legislative Assembly to support this motion. It is past time to act on the words of families and community leaders and ensure that no more lives are lost. 

For more information or comment, please contact
Dr Devin Bowles, CEO, ACTCOSS, on 0413 435 080.

Authorised by Dr Devin Bowles on behalf of the
ACT Council of Social Service Inc (ACTCOSS)