LSJ: State systems are hurting kids, but the Commonwealth can protect them

Excerpt from the Law Society Journal:

In the last year, two children have died from self-harm in youth detention in WA. The Queensland government last year suspended its human rights laws so it can keep kids in police watchhouses for days at a time, with severe physical and mental health impacts. Tasmania agreed to pay $75 million to victims who endured abuse and neglect in its youth detention centres.

From Don Dale to Banksia Hill, we have been warned about the failures of Australia’s youth justice systems for years, and the harm they are causing to children. Despite the warnings, governments and agencies have failed to make the changes we need. And the harm continues.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The Australian Government can step in and protect our kids.

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