A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting young individuals in Queensland’s watch houses is poised to discontinue its operations in June due to a reduction in funding from the state government.
The Murri Watch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation has expressed serious concerns that this closure could jeopardize the safety and welfare of children and young people in detention facilities.
This month, Murri Watch, in collaboration with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak, plans to engage with government officials to address the situation.
The organization provides crucial support services for Indigenous youth detained in Queensland watch houses, ensuring that their basic needs—such as hygiene, food, and medical care—are adequately met during their time in custody.
Operating from Brisbane, this not-for-profit’s statewide youth cultural support initiative is scheduled to conclude on June 30, following the expiration of its funding agreement with the LNP government.
Murri Watch has highlighted that the termination of these services could significantly endanger the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. In the previous financial year, the charity assisted 1,233 young people across 16 watch houses throughout the state, including locations such as Brisbane, Caboolture, Southport, Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns.
Kristy-Lee Costello, the general manager of the organization, emphasized that their services are essential, especially during critical moments for these vulnerable children. “Our teams are there every day, providing support during crises, often averting further escalation and ensuring their safety,” she stated.
Watch houses serve as temporary holding facilities for individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting processing, transfer to another facility, or their initial court appearance.
A comprehensive review of the state’s watch houses indicated that adults typically spent an average of 118 hours in these facilities, while children averaged 161 hours. The report noted that some individuals, including children, had stays that significantly exceeded these averages, with some lasting over 14 days.
The review also pointed out the overrepresentation of First Nations individuals in Queensland’s justice system, recognizing Murri Watch as a vital service provider.
A representative for the youth justice minister, Laura Gerber, stated that the government has made a historic investment of $560 million in early intervention and rehabilitation services to enhance safety across Queensland. The spokesperson affirmed that the government is committed to making the state safer, with initiatives being implemented statewide, including 22 First Nations-led organizations offering 28 new services.
Murray Benton, deputy CEO of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP), remarked that Murri Watch is essential in delivering culturally relevant responses within the state’s justice and policing frameworks. “Their efforts are crucial to community-controlled strategies that ensure the safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth during critical times,” he noted.
Uncle Adrian Coolwell, a retired police liaison officer, underscored the importance of Murri Watch’s services, stating that they alleviate significant burdens on general duty police. “Given the current state of watch houses, which are overcrowded, this adds pressure on police to care for those in custody,” he explained. Mr. Coolwell, a proud First Nations individual, spent three decades with the Queensland police, including 14 years as the first assistant watch house officer.
The support service was established in 1991, just before the release of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Murri Watch and QATSICPP are scheduled to meet with the Queensland government this month to make their case one last time.
“We recognize and value the willingness of the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support, as well as the minister, to meet with us,” Ms. Costello remarked. “As long as children remain in watch houses, we are dedicated to prioritizing their safety and wellbeing.”
