Queensland holds detained children in separation rooms without toilets or running water, and its youth justice department says fixing them isn't viable.
Subject of this story
Also named
What happened
Queensland's Inspector of Detention Services (Ombudsman Anthony Reilly) tabled a combined report on its 2024 inspections of the Cleveland, Brisbane and West Moreton youth detention centres on 12 November 2025. It found staff-shortage separations continuing at Cleveland and on weekends at Brisbane, required observations of overnight separations not being done, some staff using use-of-force techniques no longer approved, and high-frequency suicide-risk observations not carried out as required. ABC News reported the inspector found separation rooms that were soiled, including with urine, and lacked basic facilities, and recommended funding for toilets, running water and beds; the Department of Youth Justice said modifications 'are not viable at this time' due to structural and financial constraints.
Sources (2)
Response
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.