News
17 January, 2025
Caboolture Watchhouse gets funding
The Caboolture Watchhouse received a funding extension from the State Government to accommodate juvenile offenders, with funding having been extended until December 31, 2025.
The 31-bed facility ensures ongoing, secure accommodation for young people, having a number of health, education, and intervention services available for juvenile offenders.
Ongoing funding has ensured the continuation of these services in the new year, after the State Government revealed the Wacol Youth Remand Centre is not expected to open until mid-2025.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber said the funding will go a long way in supporting the corrections system.
As of January 14, Caboolture Watchhouse has 5 juveniles and 3 adults in custody, the most juveniles in the state.
This coincides with the State’s announcement of four-year funding for the Queensland Police Youth Crime Taskforce.
The $15.452 million commitment will ensure the Taskforce continues its operations and, with the Making Queensland Safer Laws in effect, gives police the laws needed to be effective in tackling youth crime.
This ongoing funding will support 16 full-time staff in targeting high-harm offending through targeted operations, including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
Youth Crime Co-Responder teams will also become a permanent fixture, empowering young people to make positive choices and aiming to reduce the number of young people committing offences.
Premier David Crisafulli said setting the Taskforce in stone was another step towards addressing the youth crime crisis in Queensland.
“For Queensland to successfully unravel a generation of youth crime, we need permanent laws and a permanent policing presence,” he said.
“Adult Crime, Adult Justice – closing the revolving door on youth criminals.”
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski assured Queenslanders the service was committing to addressing youth crime from every angle.
“We continue to see positive results through proactive activities, including high visibility patrols and engagements with young people.”
