9Functions

9 Functions

(1)  A Tasmanian national preventive mechanism has the following functions:

(a) to regularly examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in places of detention with a view to strengthening, if necessary, their protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;

(b) to require the provision of, or access to, or to copy and retain copies of, information held by any person concerning –

(i) detainees, including the number and treatment of such detainees and the conditions of their detention; and

(ii) places of detention, including the number of such places and their location;

(c) to access, inspect and review places of detention in accordance with section 13 ;

(d) to interview detainees, and any other persons whom he or she believes may supply relevant information, in accordance with Article 20(d) of the Optional Protocol;

(e) to have contact, meet and exchange any information obtained in accordance with this Act with the Subcommittee and a national preventive mechanism of any other Australian jurisdiction;

(f) to refer matters relating to a detainee or place of detention to an appropriate agency for consideration or action;

(g) to receive information from any person, body or agency in relation to a detainee or place of detention;

(h) to make recommendations, and provide advice, to the relevant authorities with the aim of improving the treatment and the conditions of persons deprived of their liberty and to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, taking into consideration the relevant norms of the United Nations;

(i) to develop and publish guidelines and standards in respect of detainees or places of detention;

(j) to submit proposals and observations concerning existing or draft legislation that relates to detainees or places of detention;

(k) to publish reports, recommendations, advice or findings in relation to detainees or places of detention;