Turning to the youth crime issues in the Kimberley and Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia says kids in youth detention in WA get more time out of their cells than the average teenager gets out of their bedroom, claiming detention was the best place for troubled youths who were a danger to themselves and the community.
A still from vision of a police car being chased by a 4WD in Kununurra.
“Ultimately, if you are a serious offender, and you’re stealing cars and chasing police, you belong in detention where we can throw the full weight of intervention at you and try and change your behaviour,” he said.
“Banksia Hill is delivering a massive suite of interventions to change behaviour.
“If you are a danger to the community and to yourself, you belong in detention. You don’t belong in the streets of Kununurra or any other town in the Kimberley.
“The kids in juvenile detention in Western Australia get more time out of their cells than your average suburban kid gets out of their bedroom.
“They are also being delivered interventions by a dedicated Aboriginal Services Unit. We have in-reach from mental health and health department pediatric specialists.
“Of course, we have an excellent school and education system inside Banksia Hill and Unit 18. Sadly, in many cases, the first time these kids get to school regularly is when they’re in detention.”
Youth crime in Kununurra has been thrust into the spotlight after videos emerged of teenagers chasing a police car through the streets of the Kimberley town last week.
It’s prompted debate over what to do with troubled teens with some like high profile WA lawyer John Hammond and former WA Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan suggesting kids should be taken from their parents if they are in danger.
Papalia, who is also Racing and Gaming Minister, said he would not be surprised if the liquor regulators are also looking at tightening liquor restrictions in the town.
