Transfer of Banksia Hill detainees to Casuarina Prison a sign of a 'broken' system, retired judge says
2 years, 4 months ago

Transfer of Banksia Hill detainees to Casuarina Prison a sign of a 'broken' system, retired judge says

ABC  

The longest-serving president of Western Australia's children's court has slammed the state's youth justice system as "broken" and "a basket case". Key points: Banksia Hill is the only dedicated youth detention centre in Western Australia In April, WA's prisons watchdog outlined "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment" of detainees in Banksia Hill's ISU Around 500 current and former youth detainees have given statements as part of a class-action lawsuit alleging mistreatment at the detention centre Warning: This story contains distressing content Retired Judge Denis Reynolds said the recent transfer of teenage boys from Banksia Hill Detention Centre to an adult prison was "appalling" and "the result of ongoing incompetence". Mr Reynolds said the situation at Banksia Hill Detention Centre — WA's sole youth detention facility — had deteriorated over the last decade. "Of greater concern, that is the second time this week that I have come to that conclusion in sentencing a young Aboriginal child at Banksia Hill," Judge Quail said. According to the boy's detention management report read out in court, he was "very keen to learn" and had undertaken extra work in his cell while in Banksia Hill.

Youth Children Prison Court Detention Child Young Judge Hill Young People Centre Graham His Mother Reynolds Detainees Mr Graham Western Australia Mr Reynolds Casuarina Banksia Hill Banksia Hill Detention Centre Banksia Quail Rhiannon Shine Isu Casuarina Prison Judge Quail Nikkea Graham  casuarina  broken  banksia  sign  hill  transfer  judge  children  detention  prison  youth  retired  child  detainees  system  court  centre  young

History of this topic

Mother of boy who took his own life at Banksia Hill speaks out as lawyer reveals previous self-harm
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Mother of boy who took his own life at Banksia Hill speaks out as lawyer reveals previous self-harm

ABC  

The mother of a boy who died by suicide while being held in youth detention in Western Australia says he will be deeply missed by his family, adding that the juvenile justice system in the state is "failing all youths regardless of race". If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 …

Here's what we know so far about the death of a teenager inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Here's what we know so far about the death of a teenager inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre

ABC  

A 17-year-old has become just the second child on record to die in youth detention in WA. The boy, who authorities said "identifies as Indigenous", was found unresponsive in his cell on Thursday evening at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre. Brad Royce was appointed Corrective Services Commissioner after his predecessor Mike Reynolds was sacked following the death of Cleveland Dodd …

Banksia Hill detainees kept in cells more as staff diverted to Unit 18 after Cleveland Dodd's death
1 year, 1 month ago

Banksia Hill detainees kept in cells more as staff diverted to Unit 18 after Cleveland Dodd's death

ABC  

Children at WA's only youth detention centre are being locked in their cells for up to 21 hours a day due to staffing issues that have emerged after the high-profile death of a 16-year-old boy in custody, a regional court has heard. Key points: Staff have been diverted to Unit 18 in the wake of Cleveland Dodd's death This has …

Departure of Tim Marney creates uncertainty around whether WA youth justice reforms can stay on track
1 year, 2 months ago

Departure of Tim Marney creates uncertainty around whether WA youth justice reforms can stay on track

ABC  

When the crisis around Banksia Hill seemed to be at its peak, dominating the headlines and sparking debate fuelled by strong feelings on both sides, the government put one man forward as a key part of its solution. His task was to begin implementing what's known as a model of care — basically how Banksia Hill, and its hardened sibling …

Tim Marney's contract to apply new Banksia Hill care model not renewed by WA government
1 year, 2 months ago

Tim Marney's contract to apply new Banksia Hill care model not renewed by WA government

ABC  

The man tasked with overhauling WA's problem-plagued youth detention system has not had his contract for the role renewed by the state government. Key points: Tim Marney was meant to implement a new model of care at Banksia Hill But after six months in the job, his contract has not been renewed The detention centre has been broadly criticised in …

Major issues at Banksia Hill youth detention centre take up whole chapter in disability royal commission report
1 year, 2 months ago

Major issues at Banksia Hill youth detention centre take up whole chapter in disability royal commission report

ABC  

The Banksia Hill Youth Detention Centre features heavily throughout the eighth volume of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability report. In October last year, Dr Tomison told the royal commission that Banksia Hill was in a "state of emergency". Director general's 'euphemistic language' criticised But the commission said Dr Tomison "appeared not to …

Youth detainees at Banksia Hill subjected to unlawful confinement on a 'frequent basis', WA Supreme Court finds
1 year, 5 months ago

Youth detainees at Banksia Hill subjected to unlawful confinement on a 'frequent basis', WA Supreme Court finds

ABC  

The Supreme Court of Western Australia has found three young detainees were subjected to "solitary confinement on a frequent basis" and were unlawfully locked in their cells at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 for prolonged periods. Finding highlights 'diabolical conditions': MP Greens MP Brad Pettitt described the injunction as an "extraordinary step, highlighting the severity of our youth …

Only time will tell whether a changing of the guard can solve endemic issues at Banksia Hill
1 year, 6 months ago

Only time will tell whether a changing of the guard can solve endemic issues at Banksia Hill

ABC  

Having been handed a job few would want, Paul Papalia was more upbeat than most would have expected this week. WA Premier responds to riot Photo shows Aerial vision of police in riot gear on top of a roof at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, multiple detainees lying on stomachs. 'Every element of Banksia Hill failing' says damning jail audit report …

Department of Justice email shows warning of jail time for guards at Banksia Hill over workplace conversations
1 year, 6 months ago

Department of Justice email shows warning of jail time for guards at Banksia Hill over workplace conversations

ABC  

The WA Department of Justice has been accused of intimidating and bullying staff who are speaking about conditions inside Western Australia's juvenile detention facilities. Key points: An email shows the DoJ warning Banksia Hill officers about discussing issues at the centre Union secretary Rikki Hendon described it as "bullying and intimidation" The DoJ said it was "appropriate" to remind officers …

Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre staff shortages blamed for mental health crisis amongst youth detainees
1 year, 6 months ago

Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre staff shortages blamed for mental health crisis amongst youth detainees

ABC  

Western Australia's only juvenile detention centre is failing at all levels, with suicidal youth detainees and '"demoralised" staff in an "acute crisis" and immediate measures needed to address the "emergency" situation, a damning report has found. Key points: A recent inspection of Banksia Hill uncovered an 'emergency' inside on several fronts An 'unprecedented’ mental health crisis was observed amongst detainees …

Dozens of complaints against Banksia Hill Detention Centre staff tabled in WA parliament
1 year, 7 months ago

Dozens of complaints against Banksia Hill Detention Centre staff tabled in WA parliament

ABC  

Claims of sexually inappropriate behaviour and excessive use of force by custodial officers against youth detainees at Banksia Hill Detention Centre have been tabled in WA parliament. Key points: Greens MP Brad Pettitt tabled the letters in WA's upper house They contained allegations of sexual misconduct and assault by a number of staff Dr Pettitt says the state "must do …

Another class action launched against WA government over treatment of Banksia Hill detainees
1 year, 7 months ago

Another class action launched against WA government over treatment of Banksia Hill detainees

ABC  

The WA government is facing a fresh lawsuit in the Federal Court over its alleged unlawful treatment of juvenile detainees at a controversial unit in the adult Casuarina Prison. Key points: Three lawsuits have been launched over Banksia Hill in less than eight months The latest concerns treatment of detainees at Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison It is being led …

Mark McGowan sticks to tough stance on Banksia Hill, but is this the only solution?
1 year, 7 months ago

Mark McGowan sticks to tough stance on Banksia Hill, but is this the only solution?

ABC  

If ever the government needed a sign that things aren’t working at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, today’s disturbing images are a giant, glowing billboard. Banksia Hill funding boost Photo shows a scratched wall in a cell at the Banksia Hill detention centre A children's detention facility slammed by Perth Children's Court President Hylton Quail as "dehumanising" and a place to …

Banksia Hill Detention Centre riot over as armed officers move in to arrest teenagers on roof
1 year, 7 months ago

Banksia Hill Detention Centre riot over as armed officers move in to arrest teenagers on roof

ABC  

A riot at the controversial Banksia Hill Detention Centre has ended after inmates held authorities at bay for more than 12 hours, with confronting vision showing armed officers on the roof moving in to quell the disturbance. Key points: Armed officers in riot gear moved in to end the riot on Wednesday morning Significant damage has been caused, with fires …

Banksia Hill call for help issued by WA children's commissioner after Casuarina Prison youth riot
1 year, 8 months ago

Banksia Hill call for help issued by WA children's commissioner after Casuarina Prison youth riot

ABC  

WA children locked down in juvenile detention need far greater mental health support, according to the woman appointed to look after the interests of the state's children. Key points: The children's commissioner visited Banksia Hill and Casuarina on Friday Youth inmates cannot regulate their emotions and need more help, she says A more punitive approach will not stop a repeat …

Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre officer seriously injured after being hit by rocks
1 year, 9 months ago

Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre officer seriously injured after being hit by rocks

ABC  

An officer at WA's Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre has been seriously injured after rocks and debris were allegedly hurled at him by a detainee, triggering the government to consider moving inmates to adult jails after they turn 18. Key points: Youths climbed onto the facility's roof on Monday afternoon An officer was struck in the head by a piece …

Banksia Hill class action alleges girl with severe autism 'treated like dog' at WA detention centre
1 year, 11 months ago

Banksia Hill class action alleges girl with severe autism 'treated like dog' at WA detention centre

ABC  

A girl with severe autism was locked in solitary confinement at a West Australian juvenile detention centre for more than seven months, documents filed in the Australian Federal Court claim. Key points: The allegations are part of a class action against the West Australian government That case involves hundreds of the detention centre's former detainees It is expected that the …

Teen inmates at Banksia Hill Detention Centre climb fences and threaten staff as building burns to the ground
1 year, 11 months ago

Teen inmates at Banksia Hill Detention Centre climb fences and threaten staff as building burns to the ground

ABC  

Teenage inmates at Perth's Banksia Hill youth detention centre have rioted and a building has been burnt to the ground on New Year's Eve. Key points: The Department of Justice says firefighters visited Banksia Hill Detention Centre under police escort It says there is no threat to the broader community There have been concerns over staffing levels at the facility …

WA Aboriginal Legal Service's Banksia Hill case sees government admit unlawfully detaining children
2 years ago

WA Aboriginal Legal Service's Banksia Hill case sees government admit unlawfully detaining children

ABC  

The WA government has admitted to unlawfully confining three young people to their cells for dozens of days this year, with one girl harming herself after not being able to shower. Key points: The hearing heard of the impact of long periods of confinement on detainees In many instances detainees did not know how long they would be locked in …

Banksia Hill juvenile detention Supreme Court challenge looks to ancient law to help teenagers
2 years ago

Banksia Hill juvenile detention Supreme Court challenge looks to ancient law to help teenagers

ABC  

Pondering centuries-old legal principles is hardly a new concept for Supreme Court judges, but tomorrow is shaping to be a little different. But unlike many of the law's ancient principles, this one has fallen into near disuse, being the subject of just eight Supreme Court decisions over the last two decades. Now, centuries later, it acts as one of the …

ALS launches legal challenge to WA government over 'inhumane' detention of children at Banksia Hill, Casuarina
2 years ago

ALS launches legal challenge to WA government over 'inhumane' detention of children at Banksia Hill, Casuarina

ABC  

WA’s Aboriginal Legal Service is again taking the state government to the Supreme Court over its treatment of young people held in detention, saying others' attempts to raise concerns have fallen on “deaf ears”. Key points: Lockdowns are continuing to damage inmates' mental health, the ALS says It says the state government is treating children inhumanely An urgent court hearing …

Banksia Hill juvenile detention meeting a 'good start' to addressing youth detention
2 years, 1 month ago

Banksia Hill juvenile detention meeting a 'good start' to addressing youth detention

ABC  

A meeting to address concerns with WA's youth justice system has been described as a "good start" by some of those involved. Key points: A much-publicised meeting to address a crisis in youth justice in WA has been held Attendees told the ABC they felt it was a good start and were listened to The gathering rejected a call for …

Pilbara, Goldfields leaders join calls for WA government to build local alternatives to Banksia Hill detention centre
2 years, 1 month ago

Pilbara, Goldfields leaders join calls for WA government to build local alternatives to Banksia Hill detention centre

ABC  

Advocates in the Pilbara and Goldfields have joined calls for on-country youth facilities to replace the state's under-fire Banksia Hill Detention Centre. Key points: Juvenile offenders from across WA are transported thousands of kilometres to the Banksia Hill Detention Centre The West Australian government has pledged to build an on-country facility in the Kimberley Advocates say similar facilities are needed …

WA minister Bill Johnston pushes Banksia Hill youth detention centre issue to councils
2 years, 1 month ago

WA minister Bill Johnston pushes Banksia Hill youth detention centre issue to councils

ABC  

WA's Corrective Services Minister has indicated he wants to move away from Banksia Hill being the state's only juvenile detention facility – but wants the local government sector to take the lead. Key points: Bill Johnston moves finding location for detention facility in focus Any new facility would take at least five years to set up, he says Banksia Hill …

Western Australia's juvenile justice system under the microscope as state government calls meeting
2 years, 1 month ago

Western Australia's juvenile justice system under the microscope as state government calls meeting

ABC  

After a week of sustained pressure about the future of juvenile justice in Western Australia, the state government yesterday set out its next step forward. Off the table is the idea of a phased closure of the state's only juvenile detention centre at Banksia Hill, as has been suggested by some including former Children's Court President Denis Reynolds, but deemed …

'Folding up' restraint may be banned as Banksia Hill summit announced by WA government
2 years, 1 month ago

'Folding up' restraint may be banned as Banksia Hill summit announced by WA government

ABC  

The use of a 'figure four' or 'folding up' restraint technique in WA correctional facilities will be reviewed and may be banned, with the state government also planning a meeting with key stakeholders over Banksia Hill Detention Centre. Key points: The WA Premier says other restraint techniques need to be explored The government will also meet senior police and critics …

First Nations people ramp up calls for Kimberley alternative to Banksia Hill Detention Centre
2 years, 1 month ago

First Nations people ramp up calls for Kimberley alternative to Banksia Hill Detention Centre

ABC  

Calls for an Indigenous-led juvenile justice facility in the Kimberley region are intensifying as the Banksia Hill Detention Centre comes under fire for its treatment of teenagers in custody. Key points: First Nations people from the Kimberley are calling for on-country facility as an alternative to youth detention Perth's Banksia Hill Detention Centre is in the spotlight over its treatment …

Consequences to last for years if right balance isn't struck with management of Banksia Hill
2 years, 1 month ago

Consequences to last for years if right balance isn't struck with management of Banksia Hill

ABC  

The way a government treats society’s most vulnerable is a testament to its workings. "The inhumane and cruel treatment to the children is rendering these children more aggressive, more frustrated, more disconnected from community, such that they are a greater threat to the staff and a greater threat to the community", former Children's Court President, Denis Reynolds said this week. …

UWA law professor, judge call for WA's Banksia Hill juvenile jail to be closed
2 years, 1 month ago

UWA law professor, judge call for WA's Banksia Hill juvenile jail to be closed

ABC  

A former Inspector of Custodial Services in Western Australia is calling for the state's troubled youth detention facility Banksia Hill to be closed as soon as is practicable and the criminal age of responsibility raised to 14. Key points: Tailored facilities should be built for incarcerated young people, Neil Morgan says He says children under 14 should not be jailed …

Judge issues WA government contempt of court warning over children detained in adult prison
2 years, 2 months ago

Judge issues WA government contempt of court warning over children detained in adult prison

ABC  

The WA government has been warned it risks being found in contempt of court for continuing to house juvenile detainees in an adult prison, with a senior Perth judge describing what was happening as "barbaric", "cruel" and "a form of child abuse". The teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were being held in Unit 18 of Casuarina adult prison, which in …

Disability royal commission examines poor treatment and 'disgusting' conditions in criminal justice system
2 years, 3 months ago

Disability royal commission examines poor treatment and 'disgusting' conditions in criminal justice system

ABC  

A woman who lives with muscular dystrophy thought prison guards were trying to kill her when she was repeatedly dropped while being transferred in and out of her wheelchair. Key points: The disability royal commission is examining the criminal justice system Evidence has ranged from stories about poor accessibility, to people actively being harmed by guards An advocate says problems …

A former guard at WA's crisis-plagued Banksia Hill youth detention centre claims the system is broken
2 years, 4 months ago

A former guard at WA's crisis-plagued Banksia Hill youth detention centre claims the system is broken

ABC  

The situation at the Banksia Hill youth detention centre in Perth has "never been as bad as it currently is", according to a former guard who left the facility last year. In July, Banksia Hill received national attention after 17 teenagers were temporarily relocated from the juvenile detention centre to the maximum security Casuarina Prison following a reported "escalation in …

Families of Banksia Hill detainees speak out following transfers to Casuarina Prison
2 years, 4 months ago

Families of Banksia Hill detainees speak out following transfers to Casuarina Prison

ABC  

Family members of youth detainees who were relocated to an adult maximum security prison say the move will trap their children in a cycle of violence with little hope for rehabilitation. Key points: Families fear for the youth detainees' mental health Australia's children's commissioner says they are being punished for system failures She wants a national roadmap to improve the …

Seventeen Banksia Hill juvenile inmates moved to Casuarina Prison
2 years, 5 months ago

Seventeen Banksia Hill juvenile inmates moved to Casuarina Prison

ABC  

A group of 17 teenagers has been relocated from Banksia Hill Detention Centre to an isolated unit at a maximum security prison, despite a backlash from advocates. Key points: The state government announced the controversial decision on July 5 The juveniles were moved to Casuarina Prison on Wednesday Last week, dozens turned out at a rally to protest the decision …

Perth protesters rally over plan to move Banksia Hill Detention Centre boys to Casuarina Prison
2 years, 5 months ago

Perth protesters rally over plan to move Banksia Hill Detention Centre boys to Casuarina Prison

ABC  

Almost 100 protesters have gathered in Perth's CBD to voice their anger over plans to transfer 20 boys from the Banksia Hill Detention Centre to an adult prison. Key points: The boys are being moved after cells were damaged and staff threatened WA's Commissioner for Children says it's not a long-term solution She says the plan does not address existing …

Banksia Hill inmates trash about 100 of juvenile detention centre's cells, leaving them unusable
2 years, 6 months ago

Banksia Hill inmates trash about 100 of juvenile detention centre's cells, leaving them unusable

ABC  

Almost half of the cells at Western Australia's only youth prison are out of action because they have been damaged by detainees, with a leading youth justice advocate saying it is a sign of the pressure the facility is putting troubled young prisoners under. Key points: The Department of Justice says a high number of cells are affected Beds, toilets …

WA prison inspector uncovers cruel conditions inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre
2 years, 8 months ago

WA prison inspector uncovers cruel conditions inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre

ABC  

The Inspector for Custodial Services has detailed the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of youth detainees uncovered during a snap inspection of the state's juvenile detention facility, in a report tabled in the Western Australian parliament today. Key points: An unscheduled visit by WA's custodial inspector to the state's juvenile prison last year has raised concerns about the treatment of …

Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre staff warn facility 'unsafe and inhumane' and getting worse
2 years, 10 months ago

Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre staff warn facility 'unsafe and inhumane' and getting worse

ABC  

Staff have described Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre in Perth as an "unsafe and inhumane workplace", slamming the Department of Justice for inaction. Key points: Increasing violence is putting staff and detainees at high risk, a letter says They say lockdowns that can last several days are angering juveniles The Minister says work is underway to improve the situation at …

Perth Children's Court president slams 'dehumanising' conditions in Banksia Hill Detention Centre
2 years, 10 months ago

Perth Children's Court president slams 'dehumanising' conditions in Banksia Hill Detention Centre

ABC  

The head of the Perth Children's Court has slammed the "dehumanising" detention of a teenage offender, warning that "if you want to make a monster, this is the way you do it". Key points: Judge Hylton Quail has raised the alarm over conditions in the centre Judge Quail says critical staff shortages are exacerbating the issues He has called on …

Former inmates of Banksia Hill juvenile prison to sue, alleging mistreatment
3 years, 3 months ago

Former inmates of Banksia Hill juvenile prison to sue, alleging mistreatment

ABC  

More than 250 former inmates of Western Australia's juvenile detention centre have registered to be part of a class-action lawsuit alleging mistreatment at the centre. Key points: Banksia Hill is WA's only prison for 10- to 17-year-olds It was the subject of an Amnesty International report in 2018 There are plans to launch the legal action before Christmas Leading the …

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