Andreea Lachsz explains the UN anti-torture protocol (OPCAT) which Australia has signed but is dragging its feet on implementing. OPCAT would help prevent torture and abuse happening in our places of detention. It is a unique opportunity to address human rights abuses on the most powerless in our society, including Aboriginal people in police custody.

Under the Protocol, independent inspectors could enter places of detention, but Andreea explains that Aboriginal representatives need to be consulted to ensure that inspection processes are culturally safe. But time is running out. Before January 2022 (!) our governments need to make a real commitment to implementing OPCAT, including inter-governmental agreement, legislation, substantial funding and the creation of inspection bodies and processes.

Yet another example of our federal system NOT working... and creating a space where state and federal governments can blame one another for their inaction....