Public guardian Shayna Smith says ‘high numbers of children are being detained in unsuitable watch house conditions all over Queensland’.Public guardian Shayna Smith says ‘high numbers of children are being detained in unsuitable watch house conditions all over Queensland’.
The Office of the Public Guardian – an advocacy body for the rights and interests of people who are in state custody or care – sends public visitors into detention centres and watch houses. “The government responses to youth crime have predictably led to youth detention centres operating at full capacity with a spill over into police watch houses,” Smith said.
Smith said community visitors had made more than 100 visits to children and young people in watch houses this year and “raised over 550 issues on their behalf”.Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters“ are receiving reports that the large number of children experiencing prolonged detention in watch houses is leading to overcrowding in some locations,” Smith said.