Accountability is a core public law, if not constitutional, value, with close ties to rule of law and separation of powers. Despite this status, the Australian public law system presents only a thin reflection of accountability. This is because it provides control of public power, but not restoration or punishment in cases of abuse of power. This article uses the concept of accountability as a lens through which to view the limitations of existing public law remedies, and briefly outlines two of the potential explanations for these limitations: constitutional barriers and the availability of alternative remedies.