Arabic version: جهة رقابية تؤيد استمرار احتجاز الأطفال في مركز واكول للحبس الاحتياطي

According to ABC News, Queensland’s detention services inspector has said it would be beneficial to continue holding children at the Wacol Youth Remand Centre because proposed breach bail, go to jail laws could strain capacity at youth detention centres.

The centre, built for adults, began holding children aged 10 to 18 in April last year as an alternative to police watch houses while they wait for places in Queensland’s three youth detention centres. Inspector Anthony Reilly said Wacol was not a suitable facility for children, but was more suitable than police watch houses if detention centres lacked capacity.

Mr Reilly’s report noted that draft consultation had recommended ending the use of Wacol for children when a fourth youth detention centre opens at Woodford. But he said the proposed laws could mean youth detention centres do not have sufficient capacity, potentially leading to children being held in large numbers and for long periods in watch houses.

The report made 13 recommendations, including efforts to soften the centre’s institutional environment. It found the facility lacked the space, privacy and natural light children need, despite changes made to accommodate them. The Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support said it would explore ways to soften the environment and prioritise children’s access to programs and outdoor facilities at other youth detention centres.

In the 12 months to June 20, the average daily number of children at Wacol was 32, rising to 54 in August 2026. The average stay over the first 11 months was 7.1 days, though the inspector found some children were not moved quickly. One child stayed for 49 days, and the report found no records showing the decision-making process or risk assessments behind that continued stay. The department said it had strengthened governance and oversight for risk-based transfers.