Key Takeaways:
- A disturbance occurred at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale, with at least six detainees climbing onto the roof.
- The incident involved young people ripping off air vents and throwing projectiles at guards, with some brandishing a megaphone and letting off a fire extinguisher.
- The Department of Justice confirmed that Corrective Services officers were responding to the incident, with the situation still unresolved at 6:30pm.
- The incident highlights the ongoing issues with the juvenile detention system in Western Australia, with advocates calling for a new facility and improved services.
- The state government has committed to building a new detention centre, expected to be completed in 2028, but critics argue that it will take too long to deliver.
Introduction to the Incident
The Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale was the scene of a disturbing incident on Monday afternoon, as at least six detainees climbed onto the roof of the facility. The incident involved a group of young people, who ripped off air vents and threw projectiles at guards below. Aerial footage showed the detainees brandishing a megaphone and letting off a fire extinguisher, with some attempting to damage the roof. The Department of Justice confirmed that Corrective Services officers were responding to the incident, with the situation still unresolved at 6:30pm.
History of Disturbances at Banksia Hill
The incident is not an isolated one, with Banksia Hill having a history of disturbances and riots. In 2013, dozens of detainees took part in a riot, while in 2017, officers used stun grenades and pepper spray to restore order after a three-hour rampage. More recently, on New Year’s Eve in 2022, two buildings were set alight after a riot. The facility has also seen armed officers move in to quell a 12-hour riot in 2023, which was described as a "form of terrorism" by the then-premier Mark McGowan. Despite efforts to improve conditions at the facility, with young people spending more time out of their cells and engaging in rehabilitation activities, the latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the juvenile detention system in Western Australia.
Government Response and Criticism
The state government has committed to building a new detention centre, expected to be completed in 2028, to accommodate high-risk youth detainees. The $156 million facility will be located next to Banksia Hill Detention Centre and is expected to provide a more therapeutic and supportive environment for young people. However, critics argue that the new facility will take too long to deliver, with Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas stating that the government has failed to prioritize the issue. Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, also emphasized the need for a new facility, but highlighted the importance of providing individualized plans and services for each child, as well as better relationships between staff and young people.
Need for Reform and Support
The incident at Banksia Hill highlights the need for reform and support within the juvenile detention system. Advocates argue that the current system is broken and that the government needs to provide more than just a new facility. They emphasize the importance of providing access to immediate counseling and supports, as well as individualized plans for each child. The government has acknowledged the challenges faced by the system, with Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia stating that managing youth justice is a "challenging task". However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the issues and provide a supportive and therapeutic environment for young people.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The incident at Banksia Hill Detention Centre is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the juvenile detention system in Western Australia. While the government has committed to building a new facility, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the issues and provide a supportive and therapeutic environment for young people. The incident highlights the need for reform and support, with advocates emphasizing the importance of providing access to immediate counseling and supports, as well as individualized plans for each child. As the government moves forward with plans for the new facility, it is essential that they prioritize the needs of young people and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to thrive.