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National Student Ombudsman Update:
The National Student Ombudsman commenced operations on 1 February 2025. For more information visit nso.gov.au.
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      If you need more translations, please contact us via: 1300 362 072 or ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

      National Student Ombudsman Update:
      The National Student Ombudsman commenced operations on 1 February 2025. For more information visit nso.gov.au.

      Other information and resources on OPCAT

      Speeches, statements, submissions and interviews by the Commonwealth Ombudsman

      • 24 February 2023
        A radio interview with the ABC's AM Program with Iain Anderson and members of Australia’s National Preventive Mechanism, about the importance of Australia meeting its OPCAT obligations after the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture terminated its visit to Australia.
      • 20 January 2023
        A short video message delivered on the Commencement of Australia’s National Preventive Mechanism obligations under OPCAT.
      • 30 September 2022
        The Commonwealth Ombudsman provided a submission to the United Nations Committee against Torture as part of the Committee’s consideration of Australia’s sixth periodic report under the Convention against Torture.

        In November 2022, the Committee adopted its Concluding Observations on Australia’s sixth period report.
      • 27 May 2022
        The acting ACT Ombudsman made a submission to the Inquiry into the Terrorism (Extraordinary Temporary Powers) Amendment Bill 2022 (ACT).
      • 17 September 2021
        the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman made a submission on the draft OPCAT Implementation Bill 2021 (Tas).
      • 10 December 2020
        The Commonwealth Ombudsman made a submission on the draft Custodial Inspector Amendment (OPCAT) Bill 2020 (Tas).
      • July 2020
        In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office issued a public statement about the Department of Home Affairs’ arrangements for preventing and managing COVID-19 in the immigration detention network.
      • September 2019
        The Office published a report about Australia’s readiness to implement OPCAT and the need to nominate Commonwealth, state and territory NPMs.


      Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on OPCAT:

      • 7 October 2022
        The Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay, released a joint statement on the use of hotels as alternative places of detention for individuals in immigration detention.
      • June 2020
        The AHRC published a report on implementing OPCAT in Australia. The Commission noted greater momentum is needed towards implementation and recommended the NPM Network be established as soon as possible and in a way that ensures all places of detention are subject to independent oversight.