The management of 116 detainees currently at Banksia Hill is being impacted by a cohort of about 20 young men causing significant damage and persistent disruption to the Centre.
Director General Dr Adam Tomison said the cohort exhibited complex needs, had significant offending histories and for months had been destroying infrastructure, assaulting staff and harming themselves.
“The gazettal under the provisions of The Young Offenders Act will allow for around 20 detainees to be moved to a designated, standalone unit at Casuarina Prison where they can be more safely managed by Youth Custodial Officers,” Dr Tomison said.
“This newly-built unit will operate as a separated youth detention facility within the prison grounds and provide all services offered at the Centre, allowing for the other detainees at Banksia Hill to return to their normal education, programs and recreation activities that have been affected by the ongoing disruptions.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Mike Reynolds said there had been a constant stream of contractors at Banksia Hill this year trying to keep up with the destruction of cells, with the damage bill now exceeding $1.8 million.
“The short-term youth detention centre will provide a safe environment for the 20 young men while we restore Banksia Hill to a safe working environment for staff and detainees and complete the necessary infrastructure works,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“We examined all possible options within WA’s custodial estate for the short-term facility. The Casuarina site, with its new, secure units was the only safe and suitable option to ensure the young men were able to be kept in a location away from the adult population.”
The gazettal option was implemented previously for a unit at Hakea Prison following a 2013 disturbance at Banksia Hill for the safety of detainees and staff.
Repair work at Banksia Hill is not keeping up with the rate of damage. More than 100 of the 260 cells are seriously impacted and more than 30 cells are unfit for use.
