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 Ngunawal and Ngambri people, traditional custodians of the land, and pay respects to their elders past, present and future. I note that these meetings are formal proceedings of parliament, so everything said should be factual and honest. It could be considered a serious matter to attempt to mislead the committee. I invite witnesses to make comments that will assist us in our inquiry, which is now in its final stage of evidence gathering. Today we will seek to reflect on some of the evidence we have heard from witnesses around Australia and to clarify the status of some Commonwealth program initiatives.

[12.20 pm]