Royal Commission into youth detention in the NT: Statement from ABA President Patrick O’Sullivan QC

01 August 2016

“The Australian Bar Association welcomes today’s appointment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and The Hon Margaret White AO as joint Commissioners for the Royal Commission into the child protection and youth detention systems of the Northern Territory.

“Mick Gooda is highly qualified and cognisant of the challenges faced by indigenous people coming in contact with the justice system. His appointment is welcomed by the ABA,” said ABA President Patrick O’Sullivan QC.

“The ABA also congratulates Margaret White AO on her appointment as joint-commissioner and has full confidence that the two will conduct a thorough and detailed examination of the problems within the youth detention system in the Northern Territory.”

“The outpouring of community concern, anger and shame over the past week demonstrates the country’s desire for change. The ABA has full confidence in the Royal Commission to make recommendations that will lead to real and systemic change within the youth justice system in the Northern Territory.”