A panel of industry experts will tackle the complex realities of youth justice reform in Western Australia at a public event hosted by The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute on Thursday 5 October.

“Australia is failing in its commitment to protect the human rights of our children held in detention."

UWA PPI Director Associate Professor Paul Maginn

Panellists at Navigating Youth Justice: Challenges and Possibilities include Social Reinvestment WA’s Sophie Stewart, Commissioner for Children and Young People WA Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, social justice and human rights campaigner Gerry Georgatos and criminology expert Dr Hayley Passmore.

The Institute’s annual ‘intern event’ comes after the May 2023 riots at Banksia Hill sparked renewed discussion around the need for change within Western Australia’s youth justice system.

UWA PPI Director Associate Professor Paul Maginn said there had never been a more pressing time to get Australia’s youth justice system right. 

“Australia is failing in its commitment to protect the human rights of our children held in detention,” Associate Professor Maginn said.

“This is particularly concerning in WA, where ongoing controversy surrounding Banksia Hill’s duty of care to its detained young people has heightened calls for reform.

“The Institute is proud to support the efforts of our dedicated interns – Katherine Ong, Fatima Merchant, Delaney Harper and Rekha Amoganathan – in hosting this event on youth justice.”

Associate Professor Magin said topics for discussion would include barriers to change, ensuring accountability in the current system and envisioning future pathways.

All are welcome to attend the free public event, to be held on Thursday 5 October, 5.30pm to 7pm at UWA’s Alexander Lecture Theatre. Register here.