The ACT government must explain why it will not establish a board of inquiry into allegations of abuse in youth detention, the Canberra Liberals say.
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Opposition youth spokeswoman Elizabeth Kikkert said there was no proof government intervention had solved recent issues within the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
“Youth Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has provided little reason for Canberrans to believe her assurances that institutionalised violence at the Bimberi youth detention centre is a thing of the past,” Ms Kikkert said.
“She needs to state why a board of inquiry into Bimberi is not warranted in Canberra.”
Last year, youth services boss Mark Collis cited declines in assaults and the use of force as proof of operational improvements within Bimberi.
Since these comments, it has been revealed that the use of force skyrocketed 133 per cent between 2015 and 2016, with assaults among detainees also on the rise.
A stark increase in the use of lockdowns to cope with staff shortages inside the centre has also been revealed.
“It is time for the minister to explain how she is ensuring Bimberi is appropriately staffed, and how her charter of rights is in fact protecting young people when data clearly shows the number of assaults and the use of force is rapidly increasing,” Ms Kikkert said.
A charter of rights for detainees inside Bimberi was announced by Ms Stephen-Smith in August 2017 after lengthy delays.
The Australian Children's Commissioners and Guardians peak body group first published a model children's rights charter in 2014.
Documents leaked earlier this month showed how in 2016 a detainee was restrained, handcuffed and then punched in the head by a Bimberi guard.
Former youth worker Mike Fletcher recently came forward to speak on the record about incidents he witnessed inside the centre between 2013 and 2016.
“I remember getting home from work and nearly breaking down in tears at what I had witnessed, as I couldn’t believe a child could be treated so poorly,” Mr Fletcher said.
Ms Kikkert said allegations of institutionalised violence inside Bimberi could not go unanswered.
"The events that led to a Royal Commission in the Northern Territory are not dissimilar to those recently described by a former youth worker and also outlined in incident reports obtained by Fairfax Media," she said.
ACT Youth Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said there were a number of oversight mechanisms in place to ensure the centre was a safe place, including regular visits by the Public Advocate and Official Visitors.
“Last year, I established a taskforce with key youth justice stakeholders to take stock of how far we have come, identify emerging issues and establish the direction for the next five years of the Youth Justice Blueprint,” she said.
“The Human Rights Commission is also undertaking an independent inquiry into allegations raised about Bimberi Youth Justice Centre last year.
“I have welcomed that inquiry and look forward to receiving its findings and any recommendations the HRC may have.”
