Recent disruptive behaviour at Banksia Hill, which saw a handful of detainees aged between 12 and 17 throw debris from the roof at custodial officers, has reignited the debate over youth detention policy.

Click PLAY to hear the Commissioner for Children’s point of view.

Speaking to Perth Today host Simon Beaumont, WA Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, called for earlier intervention and a facility restructure to separate the over 50% of children who have not yet been sentenced.

She said the goal is to lead the way by ensuring future generations are supported and “therefore reduce the need for ambulance at the bottom of the cliff or the crisis reaction.”

However, Minister for Corrective Services Paul Papalia fundamentally disagreed with the Commissioner, arguing that children are only placed in Banksia Hill if they are serious or repeat offenders.

Click PLAY to hear Minister for Corrective Services point of view.

The Minister offered a direct rebuttal to the idea that detention is unnecessary: “She believes there is no need for detention, I believe there is a small cohort of violent dangerous and complex challenging juvenile offenders who do need to be detained for their own safety and the safety of the community,” he said.

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Image: 9News