OPCAT Agreement

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (4 June 2020).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Attorney-General has provided the following advice:

The government remains committed to the effective implementation of OPCAT in South Australia, including the establishment of a framework for the National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) in South Australia.

The government is carefully considering its options with respect to an NPM model, ensuring that all government agencies are compliant. It is expected that an NPM model for South Australia will be formally agreed to by the government later this year, prior to the required commencement date.

The Attorney-General's Department is currently in consultation with other government agencies regarding the establishment of the NPM. It is the Attorney-General's intention to consult broadly with relevant affected agencies and statutory bodies once a model for the NPM has been agreed to by the government.

The Attorney-General notes the current inspectorate bodies which already exist and operate under government agencies. Work is actively occurring to ensure these bodies are fully compliant with OPCAT standards.