Youths held in adult jail

Issue 

Youths held in adult jail

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Queensland Aboriginal and Islanders Legal Service vice-president Sam Watson said on March 22 that the service would appeal to the High Court or even the United Nations to "stop children being put at risk".

This follows the illegal transfer of 30 boys from Westbrook juvenile detention centre to Wacol prison after disturbances at Westbrook the previous weekend.

Watson said the boys, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, were being housed in the same jail as some of the state's most hardened criminals. "We maintain they are at risk", he said.

"It was against the law until 6.45 this morning, and it's a violation of a United Nations convention."

The state government early on March 22 rushed through changes to the Juvenile Justice Act ,under which it had been illegal to detain children in adult jails.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.