CHAIR (Mr Debus) —I declare open this public hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, which is inquiring 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, pay respect to the elders past, present and future and acknowledge Aboriginal people generally who now reside in this area. The meetings of this committee are formal proceedings of the parliament, so everything said at them should be factual and honest. It is considered a serious matter to attempt to mislead the committee. I will invite witnesses to make comments to assist us in our inquiry into the involvement of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system. The hearing is open to the public and a transcript of what is said will be placed on the committee’s website.

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