LNP slams ‘ secrecy’ on youth detention

THE LNP has slammed the State Government for failing to release reports on Cleveland Youth Detention Centre’s operations.

Every quarter Queensland’s two youth detention centres are inspected to check on the safety and wellbeing of detained children, as well as security and management.

These reports, along with the Government’s response, are then released online but the Government has not published a report since June 2017.

Shadow Attorney- General David Janetzki has questioned whether the Government is trying to hide something.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s government is anything but open and accountable. Where are the reports into the youth detention centres,” Mr Janetzki said. “What are Labor trying to hide by not releasing these reports?

“Labor have been hiding the reports into youth detention centres for 10 months and it is simply not good enough.”

Youth, Child Safety and Women Minister Di Farmer said the completion of the September and December reports was delayed by the caretaker period prior to the election and the move of Youth Justice into the new Department of Child Safety, Women and Youth.

She said the latest reports would be published soon.

Mr Janetzki also criticised the Government’s decision to cease sending 17- year- olds to adult prison.

As of last month any 17year- old remanded or sentenced will serve their time in a youth detention centre.

The Bulletin revealed Cleveland Youth Detention Centre had 107 child inmates on Monday, 11 more than capacity.

At that time the centre housed 11 alleged 17- year- old offenders.

“Labor has completely bungled the transfer of 17- year olds into youth detention centres,” Mr Janetzki said. “The Cleveland Youth Detention Centre is bursting at the seams.”