Detention assaults up

QUEENSLAND government data has revealed there were more than 1890 physical violence incidents in youth detention centres last financial year.

Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard said the assaults were by a young person, against another young person or on detention centre staff.

In an answer to a question on notice, the minister said this equated to a rate of 2.39 incidents per 100 nights in custody.

This is an increase on the 1753 incidents of the same nature recorded in the 2019-20 financial year.

“As a point of comparison, under the former LNP government, in 2014-15, the rate of incidence per 100 nights of custody was 2.84,” Ms Linard said. “Similarly, in 2019-20 there (were) 167 incidents which caused property damage to Queensland’s youth detention centres, which declined to 156 in 2020-21.”

Cleveland Youth Detention Centre experienced a number of incidents where staff were assaulted, including last year when a group of boys bashed a worker unconscious.

“Consequences for young people who breach rules in detention centres can include loss of privileges, such as access to events and sporting activities. Consequences are determined by the nature of the breach, the record and circumstances of the individual and the circumstances of the breach, so they vary,” Ms Linard said. “All young people and staff who are victims of an alleged assault receive support. Where appropriate, restorative practice is used to assist the prompt resolution of issues.”

She said $5m has been spent on security projects, including secure internal fencing and perimeter barriers.

The government is also investing $170m in a new West Moreton Youth Detention Centre.

Ms Linard said youth detention centres were “complex environments” with a difficult responsibility.

In 2019-2020, 947 youths spent 73,279 nights in custody. In 2020-21, 946 youths spent a total of 83,354 nights in detention.