CHAIR (Mr Debus) —I declare open this public hearing 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 the land and pay respect to elders, past and present. I point out that these meetings are of a formal nature. Everything that is said should be factual and honest. It can be considered a serious matter to attempt to mislead a committee. The hearings are open to the public. A transcript of what is said will be placed on the committee’s website.

[9.31 am]