The proposal would improve police oversight and implement Australia’s obligations under the Optional Protocol on the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) by funding National Preventative Mechanisms (NPMs) in each jurisdiction, as well as establishing an Independent Police Ombudsman in each jurisdiction.

The Commonwealth and states would jointly fund NPMs in each jurisdiction on a 50:50 basis.

The proposal has two components.

• Establish NPMs in each jurisdiction and double the funding allocation for the Commonwealth NPM from the 2018-19 Budget to adopt the NPM National Co-ordinator Role
• Establish an Independent Police Ombudsman in each state and territory and the Commonwealth. Funding would be split between states and territories for the non-Commonwealth jurisdictions.

The structure and funding for the NPMs and Independent Police Ombudsman are sourced from the Victorian Ombudsman and the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland respectively.

The proposal would have effect from 1 July 2022.