SHANE Rattenbury says that following the death of Mr Steven Freeman at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) on May 27 he will create an independent inquiry into Mr. Freeman’s treatment while in custody.

“This inquiry will examine Mr Freeman’s care and supervision during his period of incarceration, including whether ACT Corrective Services’ systems operated effectively and in compliance with human rights obligations,” Shane said.

“This inquiry cannot examine the manner and cause of death of the detainee as that will be addressed by the police investigation and the Coroner.

“The Terms of Reference have now been finalised and are publicly available on the Justice and Community Safety Directorate website – justice.act.gov.au.

“I am pleased to announce that Mr Phillip Moss AM has been engaged to undertake this inquiry.

“Until his retirement in July 2014, Mr Moss was employed as the Integrity Commissioner within the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and has a wealth of experience in law enforcement and Government investigations and reviews.

“Mr Moss most recently completed an independent review into allegations of abuse of immigration detainees in Nauru.

“I anticipate Mr Moss will complete his review by 31 August 2016.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Steven Freeman and again ask that their privacy be respected.

“I am mindful of the effect this death in custody may have on other detainees in the AMC, particularly those that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. ACT Corrective Services has put in place a number of measures to assist detainees in this difficult time.”