Cairns youth detention consultation confusion between councillors and minister

The Youth Justice Minister has walked back on her comments about consulting Cairns councillors over a controversial youth detention centre proposed for the southside. What was said.

Queensland Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber and Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Queensland minister has walked back on comments about her consultation efforts in relation to a controversial youth detention facility.

Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber on July 17 said she had consulted with the mayor of Cairns, “all councillors”, and stakeholders including a landholder over talks about the potential site for juvenile offenders.

But her comments surprised all Cairns councillors who reportedly read Ms Gerber’s statement in the Cairns Post during a meeting last week and were confused by the minister’s declaration.

It’s understood mayor Amy Eden and Division 1 councillor Brett Moller were not in the meeting, however the latter had already stated he had not been included in consultations.

Queensland Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber says she consulted with the council at an officer level, despite originally stating it was with “all councillors.” Picture: Brendan Radke

Asked why councillors were reporting they hadn’t been spoken to, Ms Gerber said “the council”, instead had been consulted.

“It’s happened at an officer level,” she said.

“I spoke with the mayor just yesterday (Tuesday, July 22).

“The local council has been consulted at an officer level.”

The minister’s explanation of her consultation comes as the LNP questioned Labor’s secret talks with an Edmonton landholder as a potential site for the facility.

Member for Mulgrave Terry James is opposed to a youth detention centre for young criminal offenders built in Edmonton, and was petitioning against the former government's plan to build in the Cairns southern suburbs at the Cairns Show. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Gerber applauded Member for Mulgrave Terry James for launching a petition which called for his government to “stop Labor’s youth detention centre in Edmonton.”

“He started a petition to stop Labor’s detention centre in Edmonton, and the Crisafulli government is listening to that community.”

While Mr James said the Far North region would “definitely” require a centre, Ms Gerber said there were no confirmed commitments by the government to deliver one in the region.

“Our budget delivers over $330m to build detention centres, that is for the Woodford Correctional Facility. And we know that we will continue to need to invest in youth justice infrastructure in the future.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy and Shadow Minister for Youth Justice Di Farmer. Mr Healy has requested a briefing over the consultation process for a youth detention facility. Picture: Molly Frew

Last week Member for Cairns Michael Healy drafted a letter to Ms Gerber requesting a briefing on the consultation process.

Mr Healy said there was a “significant” amount of confusion surrounding the matter and asked his neighbouring Mulgrave MP to be included in the briefing.

“As he appears to have received no information about this important project,” Mr Healy’s letter read.

“It is understood he has not spoken with yourself or relevant ministers … in relation to this matter.”

Originally published as Cairns youth detention consultation confusion between councillors and minister