Joshua Creamer to lead ACT inquiry into prison deaths
Joshua Creamer, a Waanyi and Kalkadoon barrister, chairs a six-month ACT inquiry into prison deaths.
Joshua Creamer, a Waanyi and Kalkadoon barrister from Queensland, has been named to lead a board of inquiry. The inquiry will examine systemic issues at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
These issues have led to deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees. It will investigate institutional and structural racism, healthcare, substance misuse, cultural safety and human rights.
Creamer previously led Queensland's Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry before it was scrapped two years ago. He was also involved in Queensland's Child Safety Commission of Inquiry.
ACT Corrections Minister Caitlin Tough said the appointment shows the government's commitment to a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive process. The board starts on 25 February 2027 and must deliver its report by 25 August 2027.
- Joshua Creamer
- Inquiry chair
- Alexander Maconochie Centre, Canberra
- Prison facility
- Six months
- Duration
- Caitlin Tough
- Minister responsible
Why it mattersACT faces pressure to act after three Aboriginal detainees died in custody within three months. This inquiry seeks to find systemic issues and prevent future deaths.
AustraliaFirst Nations people in ACT custody will be covered by a formal examination of systemic barriers in the prison, with findings due within a year.
