One option to increase genuine accountability would be to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The OPCAT is a bipartisan-supported UN protocol signed by Australia in 2009. It is as yet unratified.6,8-10 At the time of publication, the OPCAT has been ratified by 78 countries (Box). It was established recognising the need to take measures beyond the simple agreement not to engage in the inhumane treatment of people in detention.8