New Youth Detention Facility in Perth Faces Delays and Cost Overruns
A proposed youth detention facility in Perth, designed to replace the controversial Unit 18 precinct, may take up to three years to complete and could exceed initial budget estimates by at least $50 million. This development comes in the wake of significant concerns regarding the treatment of high-risk young offenders in Western Australia.
Background on Unit 18
Unit 18, located within the maximum-security Casuarina Prison, was repurposed as a youth detention center in mid-2022. Originally intended as a temporary solution, it has remained operational longer than anticipated. The facility has faced severe criticism, particularly following the tragic suicide of 16-year-old Cleveland Dodd in October 2023, marking the first recorded death of a youth detainee in Western Australia. This incident has intensified scrutiny on the state’s youth justice system, prompting calls for urgent reforms.
In response to these concerns, the Western Australian government announced plans to construct a new, purpose-built facility adjacent to the existing Banksia Hill Youth Detention Centre. This new facility aims to provide a safer and more supportive environment for a particularly challenging cohort of young offenders who cannot be adequately managed at Banksia Hill.
Cost and Timeline Challenges
The proposed facility is expected to accommodate 30 beds and is projected to cost around $157 million, significantly higher than earlier estimates. A report from Infrastructure WA, released in July 2024, indicated that the completion date for the new facility is now set for mid-2028. The report also highlighted that obtaining necessary state and federal environmental approvals could take between nine to 24 months, further delaying the project.
Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia has acknowledged the rising costs, stating that the total expenditure could exceed $100 million. Currently, only $11.5 million has been allocated for initial planning and site preparation.
Environmental and Community Concerns
The preferred site for the new facility is located near Banksia Hill and requires the clearing of native vegetation, including areas designated as “Bush Forever” and within a “Priority 1 Public Drinking Water Source Area.” This has raised environmental concerns among community advocates and local residents.
Infrastructure WA’s assessment underscored the urgent need for alternatives to Unit 18, citing the inadequacy of the current facility to manage disruptive youth effectively. The report emphasized that immediate action is necessary to address the systemic issues within the youth justice system.
Government Statements and Public Reactions
A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed that federal environmental approval was granted in February, with state environmental considerations expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Minister Papalia reiterated his commitment to expediting the project, emphasizing the need for a facility that can better serve the needs of young offenders.
However, critics argue that the government’s actions lack urgency. Greens justice spokesperson Brad Pettitt expressed concern over the lengthy approval process, suggesting that the choice of a site requiring extensive environmental assessments reflects a disregard for the urgent need to reform a system that has already seen two young lives lost in custody.
Alternative Perspectives on Youth Detention
Veteran juvenile justice advocate Gerry Georgatos has voiced strong opposition to the construction of a new facility, arguing that the funds should instead be directed toward psychological and social support services for vulnerable youth. He contends that investing in early intervention programs could significantly reduce the need for detention facilities in the future.
Georgatos criticized the Infrastructure WA report for labeling young offenders as “disruptive,” asserting that such terminology reflects a lack of understanding of the challenges these individuals face. He advocates for a more compassionate approach, emphasizing the importance of building rapport and providing support rather than punitive measures.
Conclusion
The proposed youth detention facility in Perth represents a critical juncture in Western Australia’s approach to youth justice. While the government aims to address the shortcomings of Unit 18, the rising costs, environmental concerns, and calls for alternative solutions highlight the complexities of reforming a system that has long been criticized. As the timeline for the new facility extends into 2028, the focus remains on finding effective ways to support vulnerable young people and prevent further tragedies within the justice system.
