The Western Australian government has committed an additional $147 million to fully fund the construction of a new youth detention centre in Perth, aimed at replacing the controversial Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison. The total project cost now stands at $156 million, including $11.5 million previously allocated for planning and early works.
State Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia described the new facility as “world leading” and designed specifically for high-risk youth detainees. The centre will be built next to Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale and will have capacity for 30 beds.
The new facility will house high-risk youth currently held at Unit 18, a temporary unit within the maximum-security adult Casuarina Prison that was converted for juveniles in 2022. The unit has faced scrutiny following the death of 16-year-old Cleveland Dodd in October 2023, who died after self-harming in his cell. His death was the first recorded fatality in youth detention in the state.
Minister Papalia said the facility would improve community safety and reduce juvenile offending by targeting the most challenging cohort. “This is the cohort that does the most damage to themselves and to the wider community, so if you achieve reduction in recidivism in this cohort, you get disproportionate response and returns for the state,” he said.
The state government confirmed that a tender for major construction work will be advertised next week. Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce called the project a “turning point” for the state, noting that stakeholders, staff, and even young detainees were consulted in the design process.
Unit 18 will remain open during construction, despite the Coroner investigating Cleveland Dodd’s death indicating a likely recommendation to close it urgently. Minister Papalia expressed confidence in the continued use of Unit 18, stating conditions have improved since the incident. Opposition spokesperson Adam Hort criticized the timeline, calling a three-year wait unacceptable and accusing the government of deprioritizing the project.
