Indonesian Prisoners — Underage Detainees in Adult Prisons
1115. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the 14 Indonesian prisoners currently being detained in Western Australian adult prisons on people smuggling offences who claim to be under 18 years of age, and whose cases are currently being investigated by the Indonesian consulate.
(1) Does the minister have any jurisdictional responsibility for the welfare of these detainees?
(2) Will the minister take any action to protect the Indonesian prisoners in adult prisons who claim to be under 18 years of age?
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied:
I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1) No, I do not have any jurisdictional responsibility.
(2) No. If specific cases were referred by the Department of Corrective Services or the commonwealth authorities, consideration would be given as to whether the Department for Child Protection has a role; but, at present, no.