Staffing Crisis Leads to Lockdowns at Queensland Youth Detention Centres

Youth detention centres in southeast Queensland have been plunged into lockdown due to critical staffing shortages, with reports of children as young as 10 being isolated for up to 23 hours a day.

Key Developments

On Thursday, employees at detention centres across North Queensland and the southeast participated in a strike, citing safety and health concerns. Demonstrations began at 9 am and continued for most of the day. The strike followed hundreds of assaults on detention centre employees over the past year, alongside ongoing complaints about overcrowding and understaffing.

Data reveals that three of four southeast Queensland facilities are operating above "safe capacity" levels. The affected centres include Brisbane, Cleveland, West Moreton, and Wacol facilities. Staff at centres in the southeast returned to work Thursday afternoon after negotiations between the union and the Youth Justice Department.

Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber stated that all youth detention centres remained "staffed and secure" on Thursday, adding that the department has been negotiating in good faith.

Lockdown Incident

Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes reported a specific lockdown at Wacol Youth Remand Centre and Brisbane Youth Detention Centre from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24 due to understaffing.

"Children aged 10 to 18 were isolated for up to 23 hours at a time during lockdowns."

Hayes alleged that this practice meets the international definition of solitary confinement. She also noted limited access to showers during lockdowns and described cells as "concrete boxes with rudimentary toilets lacking privacy."

Background and Systemic Issues

Hayes stated that similar issues have occurred during major events in Brisbane, such as rugby matches or music festivals. She called on the state government to address these problems to ensure that detained youth receive the intended rehabilitation and support.

The situation highlights a persistent crisis in Queensland's youth justice system, where staff safety concerns and overcrowding continue to undermine the welfare of both employees and detainees.