Premier Jeremy Rockliff must immediately abandon his harmful “tough on crime” approach to youth justice, and establish a taskforce to reduce the number of children in youth detention.
Speaking on ABC Radio, the Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean shared distressing new details about the harmful situation unfolding at Ashley Youth Detention Centre as a result of the Liberals’ shameful approach to youth justice. Ms McLean’s criticism of the Rockliff government’s approach was strong and damning.
The Commissioner said the number of children in AYDC has been on a “sustained rise”, with the number of children this week the highest for more than a decade. She described the situation as “intolerable, with children’s basic rights still being violated. This is shameful.
What is happening at AYDC is a direct consequence of the Rockliff government’s “tough on crime” policy agenda. The Commissioner for Children pointed out this approach runs contrary to the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. It’s resulting in more children being pushed into detention, which is ultimately making all children at Ashley less safe.
If Jeremy Rockliff is as serious about the Commission of Inquiry as he says he is, he must immediately abandon his government’s shameful ‘tough on crime’ approach to youth justice. He must also listen to the calls from the Commissioner for Children and TASCOSS and establish an urgent taskforce to reduce the number of children in youth detention.
