Boy left in adult prison a scandal

The Greens have called on the Minister for Correctional Services, Terry Redman, to immediately release a young prisoner after revelations that the boy being held in Hakea prison is in fact 16 years old.

Hon Alison Xamon, Greens spokesperson for children and young people said that it was deeply concerning that the boy was being held in an adult jail.

“The news that there is a boy in an adult prison is, unfortunately, not news to some of us,’ Ms Xamon said.

“The issue of this young boy was first brought to my attention by advocates a few months ago and ever since then we have been trying to bring this issue and the truth surrounding his age to light.

“Following questions from myself in Parliament the Minister maintained that there were no prisoners being kept in jail whose age was currently in dispute.

“This despite the suggestion from lawyers acting for these boys that there may be up to 25 underage detainees currently being held in WA adult prisons.

“If this turns out to be the case then it is a total scandal.  These boys, many of whom do not speak English and come from impoverished backgrounds have been left to languish while the Federal and State Governments play politics with their lives.

“We have a fundamental humanitarian obligation to make sure that children are never incarcerated with adult prisoners, some of whom are in prison for serious and violent crimes.

“I call on the Government to urgently release this boy and also to urgently reassess all the other cases where the age is in dispute,” Ms Xamon concluded.