The ACT Government has announced the appointment of Joshua Creamer as Chair of the Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in Canberra’s Alexander Maconochie Centre.
Minister for Corrections, Caitlin Tough said Mr Creamer (pictured) brings significant legal expertise, leadership and deep understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to the Board of Inquiry.
“Mr Creamer’s appointment reflects our government’s commitment to a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive inquiry, underpinned by independence, respect, and accountability,” said Ms Tough.
“As Chair, Mr Creamer will lead an inquiry that engages with the voices, experiences and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Mr Creamer brings extensive experience in human rights, the justice system and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, with a strong track record in governance, community engagement and culturally informed inquiry processes.”
Mr Creamer’s previous roles include Chair of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry (QLD) and barrister involved in the Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry.
His expertise includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, cultural safety and truth-telling processes, human rights, native title, and a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice issues.
In an online statement, Mr Creamer said: “I am pleased to accept the offer from the ACT Government to lead the Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre.”
The Board of Inquiry is being asked to examine the availability and effectiveness of rehabilitation, support and advocacy services, including those delivered by non-government organisations, and assess whether the AMC’s legislative, policy and oversight frameworks, complaints mechanisms, staff training, restrictive practices, accountability arrangements and organisational culture adequately meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees.
The Board will commence on 25 February 2027 and run for six months. The Board’s final report must be provided to the Chief Minister by 25 August 2027.
The ACT Government has requested the Board of Inquiry consider a number of specific issues relating to systemic issues and common themes, including health care and mental health support; substance misuse; institutional or structural racism, cultural safety and human rights; and social, historic and economic factors.
The terms of reference for the Board of Inquiry have been finalised with a focus on systemic issues or common themes surrounding deaths in custody of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Alexander Maconochie Centre since 2016. They also direct the Board of Inquiry to consider the death in custody of a detainee who died in NSW custody two years after being transferred from the ACT.
