OICS Annual Report 2024-25 published

ACT OICS Annual Report 2024-25 published today.

This year began with a strong focus on youth justice, including the second Healthy Centre Review of Bimberi Youth Detention Centre. The review assessed the care of young people in detention and Bimberi’s role as the ACT moves to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14. The report, tabled in December 2024, made 15 recommendations to improve outcomes for young people.

In January, we commenced the Healthy Prison Review of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). This comprehensive review includes onsite engagement, surveys of detainees and staff, and consultation with stakeholders. The final report is expected by the end of 2025.

Sadly, five deaths occurred in ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) custody during the reporting year. All are before the ACT Coroner. A Supreme Court interim ruling on parliamentary privilege has raised concerns about the admissibility of our reports in court. We continue to work with the ACT Coroner’s Court and ACTCS to find a constructive path forward.

In September 2024, the Monitoring Places of Detention Legislation Amendment Act 2024 commenced, strengthening powers under OPCAT and renaming our office to the ACT Custodial Inspector—reflecting our broader oversight across youth detention and adult corrections.

We remain committed to independent, timely oversight that promotes safety, dignity, and accountability in all places of detention.

You can read our Annual Report here.