On 19 January 2022, I made remarks at a press conference to assembled news reporters in response to questions about cultural audit reports conducted on the Department of Communities in 2019 and 2021.
Those reports were internal reports but had been the subject of an article in the media that day.
One report was a cultural audit undertaken by Dr Tracy Westerman AM through her company Indigenous Psychological Services Pty Ltd.
Some of my responses to questions may have been understood to have been derogatory of Dr Westerman.
I did not intend to target Dr Westerman or her professional reputation in any derogatory way and apologise for any distress or offence my responses may have caused her.
I would like to acknowledge the extensive work Dr Westerman has undertaken for the benefit of Aboriginal children and families.
