About this service
The Inspector of Detention Services Act 2022 (IDS Act) seeks to improve detention services with a focus on promoting the humane treatment of detainees and prevention of harm. The IDS Act was passed by the Queensland Parliament on 30 August 2022 and received assent on 7 September 2022.
Under the IDS Act, the Ombudsman will have a new and additional role, the Inspector of Detention Services (Inspector). Some parts of the IDS Act commenced (by Proclamation No.1) on 9 December 2022. This supported the appointment of the Inspector and provided the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman with a period to undertake establishment activities, such as hiring of staff, before commencing operations.
The commencement date for the IDS Act will be 1 July 2023, as set by Proclamation No. 2.
The Inspector of Detention Services Regulation 2023 will also commence on 1 July 2023.
The IDS Act sets out a framework for review of detention services, inspection of places of detention and independent and transparent reporting. The focus of the Inspector will be on the prevention of harm rather than responding to complaints when harm occurs. This preventative focus will examine the systems and the lived experiences of people detained.
Specific IDS functions will include:
- inspecting places of detention in Queensland, including youth detention centres, adult prisons and watch-houses
- preparing and publishing standards for inspections
- reporting to the Legislative Assembly on inspection visits and making recommendations for improvement.
When carrying out IDS functions, the Inspector must have regard to the cultural background or vulnerability of detainees.
Staff from the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman will support the Inspector’s functions under the IDS Act.
Ombudsman officers have experience in reviewing detention services. This includes visiting correctional centres as part of an administrative improvement function under the Ombudsman Act 2001, investigating complaints made by detainees and major investigation reports such as:
The Office will continue to provide its services to the community under the Ombudsman Act 2001.
Information about the IDS Act
Learn more about the IDS legislation and standards.
Statement from the Attorney-General
Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
- 21 January 2021 – Report No. 21, 57th Parliament - Inspector of Detention Services Bill 2021 - overview
This Queensland Parliament fact sheet details the legislative process of making an Act.
Questions?
More details will be added to this website when they are available.
All enquiries should be directed to the online form.