Queensland changes laws to accommodate UN prisons inspectors

A UN anti-torture subcommittee suspended its inspections last year after being refused access to some facilities

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Queensland government has passed a bill to remove legislative barriers that prohibited UN officials from visiting places of detention during their visit to Australia last year.

A UN anti-torture subcommittee suspended its tour of Australian detention facilities in October after Guardian Australia revealed Queensland refused access to some mental health facilities that hold people charged with crimes, while New South Wales blocked inspectors from entering all of its detention facilities.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup