MP claims ‘chaos’ in detention
CLEVELAND Youth Detention Centre was forced into lockdown a concerning 10 times in as many weeks recently, with the LNP labelling the situation “chaos”.
However, the State Government insists any decision to lock down the centre is made to prioritise safety and incidents of physical violence are reduced as a result.
Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer has revealed children sent the centre into lockdown 10 times between July 1, 2019 and September 12, 2019.
In comparison, Cleveland only had 11 lockdowns for the whole 2017-2018 financial year, the same year in which a violent riot broke out which resulted in a guard losing vision after inmates threw a projectile into his face.
LNP’S Burdekin MP Dale Last said the detention centre was supposed to be a place to rehabilitate young offenders but he claimed that wouldn’t happen if violence was occurring within the walls of the facility.
“Ten lockdowns in 10 weeks shows youth detention centres are in total chaos under the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Last said.
“There’s a youth crime crisis on the streets of Townsville and it’s just as bad inside the region’s overcrowded detention centre.
“The lockdowns happened under the watch of Labor’s new Department of Youth Justice, which proves it’s just a waste of time and taxpayer money.”
Ms Farmer said youth detention centres were complex and difficult environments, and there were a range of factors that could contribute to a lockdown being called for, including the number, complexity and mix of young people at any given time at a detention centre.
“Lockdowns are undertaken to ensure the safety of young people, visitors, families and staff, which is of paramount importance,” Ms Farmer said.
“As a result of this approach, there has been a reduction in the number of assault injuries to young people and staff.
“Both Cleveland and Brisbane youth detention centres have experienced increased occupancy since the transfer of 17-year-olds to the youth justice system in February 2018.
“However, the percentage of incidents for the year to March 2019 at both centres has remained consistent with figures for the year prior to March 2018.”
Ms Farmer said seven of the 10 lockdowns occurring in the 10-week spike lasted less than one hour and police were not required to attend any of the incidents.