An Aboriginal teenager has tragically died by suicide at a youth prison in Western Australia, sparking outrage and calls for urgent action to address the systemic issues that led to this devastating loss.
The 17-year-old had only been in custody for two days before he was found unresponsive in his cell on Thursday, despite efforts to revive him. This heartbreaking incident highlights the disproportionate rates at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are incarcerated and die in custody compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
“This is a horrible, horrible event,” said WA premier Roger Cook, announcing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death. The boy, who has not been identified, had arrived at the centre in an intoxicated state and was placed in an intensive supervision unit due to concerns for his health.
Despite being checked on multiple times by staff in the hours leading up to his death, there were no signs of mental distress reported. This tragedy comes less than a year after another juvenile died in a WA youth detention centre, prompting renewed scrutiny of the state’s handling of youth incarceration.
While investigators have cleared prison staff of serious misconduct in the previous case, concerns remain about the conditions and treatment of young people in detention. International pressure has been mounting on Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility, which currently stands as low as 10 in some states and disproportionately affects First Nations children.
Amnesty International has condemned the preventable nature of this latest death, calling on the WA government to address the dangers present in youth detention centres. Despite long-standing concerns and criticisms from international bodies like the UN, Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia maintains that no immediate systemic changes are needed.
As the community mourns the loss of another young life, support services like Lifeline and 13-yarn are available for those who may be struggling. The need for reform and accountability in the youth justice system is clear, as advocates continue to push for meaningful change to prevent future tragedies.
