Australia’s obligations to children in detention will be the subject of a panel discussion hosted by The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute this month.

“There is a pressing need for the Federal and State governments, Western Australia in particular, to address the human rights violations and other challenges within the youth detention system if we are to restore our reputation as a liberal democracy.”

Professor Paul Maginn, UWA Public Policy Institute.

The event will be hosted at The University Club of Western Australia on Wednesday 20 September as part of the Institute’s Breakfast By The Bay series.

Speakers include WA Justice Association Founder and law graduate Tom Penglis, Director National Suicide Prevention & Trauma Recovery Project Megan Krakouer, former Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services in WA Professor Neil Morgan AM and youth justice expert Dr Hayley Passmore.

Commissioner for Children and Young People WA Ambassador Linda Savage will moderate the discussion and Greens MP Dr Brad Pettitt will join an audience Q&A session.

UWA PPI Interim Director Associate Professor Paul Maginn said Australia was failing to meet its international obligations to detainees, including its most vulnerable – children.

“In 2017 Australia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT),” he said.

“The treaty requires every State and Territory to designate a National Preventive Mechanism to carry out inspections and oversight of detention centres.

“The deadline to implement the protocol was 20 January, but in February, Australia joined Rwanda as the only countries in the world to have had visits cancelled by the UN torture prevention body after access to detention facilities was blocked.

“A recent Supreme Court decision in WA shows we’re still not getting it right for children and our international standing is at risk if we fail to ratify our obligations under OPCAT.

“There is a pressing need for the Federal and State governments, Western Australia in particular, to address the human rights violations and other challenges within the youth detention system if we are to restore our reputation as a liberal democracy.”

The event will be held on Wednesday 20 September, from 7am to 9am. Register here.