CHAIR (Mr Debus) —We do not know when our colleagues will arrive because they are travelling here by air. My colleague Danna Vale and I can continue because we have subcommittee arrangements. I declare open this public meeting of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs inquiry into the high level of involvement of Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay respect to elders past and present. I note that these meetings are formal proceedings of parliament. Everything said should be factual and honest and it can be considered a serious matter to attempt to mislead the committee. I invite witnesses to make comments that will assist in our inquiry into involvement of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

Today we will be hearing from two witnesses followed by a roundtable public hearing. This hearing is open to the public and a transcript of what is said will be placed on the committee’s website. Any person who would like further details about the inquiry or the transcripts should speak to the committee staff at the hearing.

I should also mention that the Parliamentary Media Service is recording our proceedings although it will cease doing so should any witness feel it to be necessary. The proceedings are then extracted and some small part of what occurs today may appear in a parliamentary webcast, for instance, and I think may appear in publications of the parliament itself.

[8.39 am]