Victoria's auditor-general is investigating the detention of people in police cells. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The audit follows Guardian Australia's revelation that the practice routinely led to the force breaching its own guidelines.
The auditor-general's office confirmed it was set to examine whether Victoria Police and the department of justice "manage prison and police cell capacity to support human rights and the efficient functioning of the justice system".
Guardian Australia reported in November last year that the process of "decanting" was resulting in people being moved hundreds of kilometres across Victoria as the government grappled with tougher bail laws and a shortage of prison beds and corrections workers.
This was also leading to people spending more than the 14-day target in police cells, and, in some cases, meant they were serving their entire sentences there.
In announcing the audit earlier this month, the Victorian auditor-general's office (Vago) said:
"Police cells are designed to hold people for short periods, such as after arrest and for bail hearings. However, in 2025 there were media reports of police holding prisoners in police cells beyond the recommended 14-day limit.
When cells at one station are full, police may transport individuals to other stations. In some reported cases, police have transported individuals hundreds of kilometres away.
This can mean that prisoners miss their court appearances and do not have easy access to their lawyers and health services. This undermines both prisoners' human rights and the proper functioning of the justice system."
Vago noted that Victoria's recent bail reforms were also likely to increase pressure on prison beds and staff capacity.
It said in a statement to Guardian Australia that the audit was underway and was expected to be tabled early next year.