Commissioner responds to second youth suicide in custody
WA Commissioner devastated and outraged at second death by suicide of a young person in detention.
Commissioner for Children and Young People Jacqueline McGowan-Jones has hit back at claims today by Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia that she gave a “glowing report” about Banksia Hill Detention Centre this week, in the wake of the second suicide by a young person in detention in less than a year.
Ms McGowan-Jones was permitted to visit Banksia Hill on Tuesday to inspect the facilities after the release of her recent ‘Hear Me Out’ Inquiry Report, tabled two weeks ago in Parliament. The report detailed the findings of an inquiry into the model of care instruction in WA’s troubled youth detention centres.
The Commissioner acknowledged that while additional programs, services and supports had been engaged, there was no evidence of individualised programs and supports for children and young people in detention to meet their individual and specific needs.
‘Hear Me Out’ features the voices and perspectives of 43 children and young people detained at Banksia Hill and Unit 18, along with staff and service providers.
It includes 16 findings and recommendations, which are primarily based upon the data and information provided to the inquiry by the Department of Justice. The Commissioner has requested that the State Government provide a response to Parliament by mid-November.
Quotes attributable to Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young person in custody in WA overnight. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this extremely difficult time.
“I recognise the profound impact this tragedy will have on the community, the boy’s family and the young people in detention.
“The State Government must do better. I made it clear in my press conference two weeks ago that we could not lose another life of a child in the State’s care.
“I am absolutely heartbroken that this has happened again.
“The State Government needs to focus on the individual needs of children and young people in detention and ensure that relational security is prioritised over physical security, which does not appear to be the case currently.
“My ‘Hear Me Out’ inquiry report highlights the systemic failure of successive governments that did not put the needs of children and young people as their primary consideration.
“What is the government going to do to fix the dire situation youth justice is in? How many more children and young people need to be traumatised or lose their life before we see significant change?”
Background information
On 3 October 2023, due to ongoing concerns regarding children and young people in detention in WA, the Commissioner determined it critical to hear the views of detainees at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 custodial facilities at Casuarina Prison.
The 43 young people we interviewed shared their views on daily life at both facilities, including interactions with staff, services, education, food, family contact, concerns and their hopes for the future.
The children and young people interviewed spoke about lots of lockdowns, not having enough staff around, some use of force, racism, feeling worried about other children and young people in detention, upcoming court appearances, funerals and sorry business, programs that don’t suit them or don’t interest them, breaking the rules and sometimes being managed differently or not being supported after release.
The report is the result of a formal inquiry by the Commissioner for Children and Young People under Section 19(f) of the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act 2006. It reviews the implementation of the operating Model of Care at Banksia Hill and Unit 18.
The ‘Hear Me Out’ report and a young people’s summary are available online.
Media contact
Megan Sadler
Manager Media Communications and Engagement
P: 0434 327 804
E: megan.sadler@ccyp.wa.gov.au