The Australian National Preventive Mechanism Annual Report 2023-24 published 4 March 2025.
The Australian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) currently has 12 members across Australia but OPCAT implementation in Australia remains incomplete.
Only 6 of Australia’s 9 jurisdictions have nominated NPMs, with no NPMs nominated in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
None of the Australian NPM’s 12 members are sufficiently funded to undertake their full NPM functions and there is an incomplete legislative framework implementing OPCAT across the country.
Members continue to cooperate as part of the collective Australian NPM and have identified common issues arising in places of detention across the country.
- Youth justice
- Use of isolation and inadequate time out of cells
- Facility population pressures
- Overincarceration of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
- Staffing difficulties
- Data collection and record keeping shortcomings
- Suitability of facilities and other supports for people living with disability
- Management of heat
- Shortcomings with meaningful engagement and access to appropriate programs
The Australian NPM remains committed to OPCAT’s objectives. Until implementation gaps are met, we cannot fully realise the enormous potential which OPCAT’s system of visits envisages – improving treatment and conditions in detention, and the prevention of torture and other ill treatment in those places.
Read the full report here.