Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council has expanded its Aboriginal and Torres Advisory Panel (ATAP) with appointment of three new members.
QSAC Deputy Chair Professor Elena Marchetti announced last Thursday that the council was welcoming new ATAP members Christopher Emzin, Thelma Schwartz and Kevin Williams.
She said the panel, established to give a stronger voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about sentencing, advised the council on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were affected by current sentencing practices, and offered insight into how sentencing could change to improve outcomes.
“We are delighted to have three new, independent voices join our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel,” Professor Marchetti said.
“The appointment of Christopher Emzin, Thelma Schwartz and Kevin Williams brings more expertise to an already-strong Panel.
“The Council will value the Panel’s expert advice greatly as it works to understand and address the disproportionately high rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland’s criminal justice system.”
The new members join four existing members – council member and panel Chair Boneta-Marie Mabo, Laurie Bateman, Stephen Tillett and Graham White.
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