Minister Barr: Review into system level responses to family violence in the ACT
- Written by ACT Government
Released 22/02/2016
Joint Media Release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Simon Corbell MLA
The ACT Government has appointed Mr Laurie Glanfield AM to conduct an independent external review of ACT Government Directorates and service providers who respond to family violence.
Like many in the Canberra community, we were shocked and saddened by the news last week of a young life lost in the family home.
While the external review of system level responses to family violence will be conducted in the context of the tragic death of eight-year-old Bradyn Dillon, it is not an investigation into the specifics of the death. This will be dealt appropriately through the criminal court process that is underway and the coronial process.
Acts of family violence are intolerable and the government is strongly committed to protecting Canberrans against these types of crime.
This review is designed to look at the interactions between ACT Government Directorates, agencies and service providers to help identify areas where we can improve support for families experiencing violence.
The Deputy Chief Minister and Attorney-General Simon Corbell has released the Terms of Reference for the review, which is formally constituted under the Inquiries Act 1991 to ensure access to protected and sensitive information.
“I am confident of Mr Glanfield’s ability to lead this inquiry given his extensive knowledge of Australian justice and legal systems,” Mr Corbell said.
“The review will further consider the extent to which ACT authorities are legally able to, and do share and receive information on at risk families internally and with other jurisdictions.
“It is important to ensure ACT agencies operate effectively, efficiently and in a coordinated manner and the government will carefully consider the key recommendations made as part of the review.
“Family violence does not discriminate; it has a significant and lasting impact on all sectors of the community.
“The violence claims the lives of more than 100 people in Australia each year and causes enduring harm to individuals and society as a whole.”
Mr Glanfield, who served as the Director-General of the New South Wales Department of Justice for more than 22 years, will report to the government by 22 April 2016.
Mr Glanfield will be supported by the ACT Coordinator-General for Domestic and Family Violence and a small team.
The review’s Terms of Reference are available online. Visit http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/functions/publications
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
