Thursday 30 November 2023
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association (CPSU/CSA) welcomes the news of a total of $77.1 million investment in youth justice this financial year, particularly today’s announcement of an additional $34.2 million for an expansion of staff at WA’s youth custodial estates and the funding of a business case to begin the process of designing and delivering a second, purpose-built youth custodial facility.
In 2012, the CPSU/CSA opposed the closing of Rangeview Remand Centre, highlighting the different needs of young people in detention on remand and those who are sentenced. The union looks forward to thorough consultation with the Department of Justice to ensure that the additional facility to Banksia Hill Detention Centre is set up to safely and effectively meet these needs.
CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary, Rikki Hendon, welcomed today’s announcement of an increase in staff across youth custodial settings and an additional facility for youth justice, saying this meaningful investment will facilitate a system reset.
“After over a decade of representations to successive governments, the CPSU/CSA today welcomes the announcement of a second purpose-built youth custodial facility. I want to thank our members who have pushed hard for this outcome over that time, and to Premier Cook and Minister Papalia who have listened to and actioned this call.
“The union looks forward to a robust and genuine consultation process with the Department of Justice in the urgent priority development of this business case. Our members, and the broader community, need a timeline for when the second youth custodial facility will be operational, to ensure the safe closing of Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison.
“The additional investment of $32.4 million for more robust, skilled public sector staff, including Youth Custodial Officers, Aboriginal Health and Services Officers and other non-operational staff, is also welcome. This investment will strengthen the work towards the full implementation of the Therapeutic Model of Care and the genuine rehabilitation of detained young people.”
ENDS
- The CPSU/CSA negotiates and advocates for the pay, conditions and workplace health and safety of around 250 Youth Custodial Officers and other support staff at Western Australia’s youth custodial estates.
- The CPSU/CSA covers 44,000 general public sector workers including child protection officers, youth custodial officers, park rangers, Perth Zoo veterinary scientists and dental technicians.
For more information or to arrange further comment from Branch Secretary Rikki Hendon, please contact CPSU/CSA Reception on 08 9323 3800 and ask for the Media and Stakeholder Engagement Officer.
