Hon Peter Collier questions the Minister for Corrective Services regarding the ongoing use of Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison for juvenile detention, specifically concerning its necessity, conditions, and future. The Minister confirms its continued use until a safe alternative is available, while aiming to increase time out of cells.

AnsweredQoN 1349Legislative Council
Asked
7 November 2023
Portfolio
Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

YOUTH DETENTION —
UNIT 18, CASUARINA PRISON
1349. Hon PETER COLLIER to the minister representing the
Minister for Corrective Services:
(1) Does the
minister and the Western Australian Labor government support the retention of
unit 18 at the maximum security Casuarina Prison for the placement of
juveniles?
(2) Does the
minister and the WA Labor government support the current practice of confining
juveniles in their cells by themselves in unit 18 for more than 20 hours a day?
(3) Given that
the Premier has stated that unit 18 is a ''necessary evil'', how
long is unit 18 expected to remain as a facility for juveniles?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following information has been provided to me
by the Minister for Corrective Services.
(1) Yes. At the current time there is no a safe and
secure alternative for the detainees currently housed in unit 18.
(2) The state
government is continuing to implement initiatives to maximise time out of cell
for detainees in unit 18.
(3) Unit 18 will remain operational
until a safe and secure alternative is available.

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