Western Australian Opposition spokesperson on Aboriginal Affairs, Mia Davies, has urged changes to the state's approach to youth justice in the wake of ongoing problems plaguing detention facilities.
Indigenous youth are severely over-represented in WA's youth justice system and particularly in detention.
On Monday a report in The Australian revealed internal emails showing children held at Casuarina prison's Unit 18 struggled to access psychological care. Last year questions in parliament revealed a shocking rate of self-harm in both Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18.
Ms Davies told National Indigenous Times that the rate of self-harm in Western Australia's youth detention system is "completely unacceptable".
"In 2021, more than 350 juveniles attempted self-harm as a result of being held in youth detention centres, which is completely unacceptable," she said.
"The key objective of Banksia Hill should be to rehabilitate offenders so they can return to our community as productive citizens.
"It is well understood that many of the young people incarcerated have a combination of social, mental, and physical issues that have led to their interaction with the justice system, yet for the last six years this government has allowed a punitive regime to develop that puts both detainees and staff at Banksia Hill at risk."
Ms Davies said providing on-Country solutions and investing in diversionary programs that are fit-for-purpose would be "a far better use of taxpayer dollars".
"A one size fits all cookie cutter approach ignores the diversity and size of our state," she said.
"Criminal activity should never be condoned and without consequence, but the approach taken under the current Labor government is failing to keep communities safe, failing young Aboriginal men and women and failing the people that work in the system.
"In a state as wealthy as Western Australia the government should be doing far better when it comes to addressing these challenges."
WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Tony Buti told National Indigenous Times that the state government is committed to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and improving outcomes for Aboriginal young people, "which is why there's been significant investment and intervention programs in place".
"I am very pleased with the recent appointment of former mental health commissioner and under treasurer Tim Marney to implement a newly developed model of care at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre," he said.
"The model is founded on best practice in youth justice in Australia and overseas, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending behaviour through a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach, in turn enabling the safety of all staff.
"The model of care will benefit from nearly $90 million in state government funding of Banksia Hill announced last year that includes building a Crisis Care Unit, creation of an Aboriginal Services Unit and expansion of mental health and support services."
The WA government recently announced local Aboriginal organisations would roll out the youth crime prevention Target 120 program in Broome, Derby, and Carnarvon.
