An independent watchdog has scaled back its push to shut Queensland’s controversial Wacol youth remand centre despite fresh findings of severe overcrowding and inadequate conditions, including self-harm among detainees attempting transfers. The ombudsman’s report highlights systemic failures, such as cramped cells lacking privacy or natural light, raising alarms about the facility’s ability to safely house young people for prolonged periods. Critics accuse the government of abandoning accountability amid fears that tougher bail laws could worsen overcrowding in police watch houses. The decision follows mounting pressure over whether the centre meets basic standards for child detainees.
Inmate advocacy group attacks watchdog’s ‘gutless retreat’ on Wacol youth remand centreFollow our Australia politics live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Queensland ombudsman has backed away from calls to close a youth prison so “unsuitable” for children that some are self-harming in an attempt to get transferred, amid concerns that the Crisafulli government’s hardline bail laws could create a new crowding crisis in police watch houses.The ombudsman, Anthony Reilly, published an inspection report last week that raised serious new concerns about the suitability of the Wacol youth remand centre to hold children for extended periods, including the fact that young people were being held in conditions where there is “a lack of space, privacy and natural light”. Continue reading...
