Mixed response to Youth Detention Centre proposal in Cairns
The premier has revealed how advanced planning is for a youth detention centre in Cairns, while some believe the plans, if they come to fruition, will amount to just another training centre for juvenile criminals.
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A fledgling proposal for a youth detention centre in Cairns already has money on the table, while some believe the plans, if they come to fruition, will amount to just another training centre for juvenile criminals.
The premier’s shock announcement while touring the Far North on Tuesday has prompted a debate over whether the region even needs a youth detention centre and if there is a better solution.
Former child safety executive Joanne Borg said it wasn’t the way forward.
“I don’t think that’s the answer, I’ve drawn up a model of how I feel we need to go and what we need to invest in,” she said.
“This model doesn’t involve finding new money it involves using existing money, it involves taking money away from existing services.”
Ms Borg said the status quo wasn’t working.
“What we need is a residential centre that focuses on recovery of these young people post-detention,” she said.
“Kids are going into detention and they are coming out. At the moment there is really only one program that is being funded on a shoe string budget, the on-country program.”
“They will hit the streets as soon as they land on the tarmac at Cairns Airport and get back with their crews and run amok.”
Ms Borg said her new solution would focus on family.
“There would be family accommodation within the centre. We are looking at intensive family support and therapeutic approaches,” she said.
“Looking at past traumas, traumas within individuals. Whether intergenerational cultural healing, addressing alcohol and drugs.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday said the announcement was brought up after discussions with Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linnard.
“We will be having further discussions with the community. Part of the rationale behind that is for an area with wraparound services closer to families,” she said.
“As you can appreciate the detention centres are based in Townsville and Brisbane.
“This would mean that families would be able to visit people as well.
She said there was money set aside but they were looking through the details.
“Of course we will have a community consultation as to where could be a suitable site so early days – you will hear more about it early on,” she said.
But not everyone is against the idea.
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro said his organisation had been advocating for a new youth detention centre for some time, and would support such a move.
“From our perspective it’s about dealing with some of the issues in their homes and using these centres to re-educate. We need to make sure the home environment they go back to is dealt with at the same time.
Former Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Inspector Denis McKinley said the detention centre wasn’t the answer.
“My whole issue is these young juveniles that go into detention centres right around Queensland, it’s not a detention centre, we see it as training centre,” he said.
“To rob more premises, they come out and it’s a fact they are more skilled.”
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin thought it was a great idea.
“As Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council, I welcome any support from all levels of government and will wait for the formal announcement,” she said.
YOUR SAY: Does Far North Queensland need a youth detention centre?
Patrick Benn: I think it’s an excellent idea. I moved here and after one week my car got stolen. The kids that get caught get let straight out.
Dominic Cacal: I’ve heard about a lot of stolen cars. I think a detention centre is a good idea, hopefully they learn right from wrong.
Candelaria Juarez: It’s a good idea. It’s somewhere safe for the delinquent kids to go. If they are in detention then they aren’t committing crimes.
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Originally published as Mixed response to Youth Detention Centre proposal in Cairns
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