The community of Kununurra is grappling with a surge in juvenile crime, prompting calls for systemic changes to address the underlying issues facing at-risk youth. Recent statements from prominent officials reflect a growing consensus that merely removing children from their homes will not solve the problem. Instead, effective interventions are needed to support families and prevent youth from turning to crime.
The State’s independent children’s commissioner, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, highlighted the urgent need for better support systems to help vulnerable children before they become involved in criminal activities. She described a distressing encounter with a ten-year-old boy in the Kimberley, stating that he appeared “already lost” and had a “dead” look in his eyes. McGowan-Jones emphasized the heartbreak of seeing young children involved in dangerous situations, such as driving a stolen car while being pursued by police.
“Imagine if, instead of spending $1 million a year to keep a child in custody, we spent it making the family and community safer,” McGowan-Jones said. She pointed out that the average cost for detaining a child adds up to approximately $80 million annually for the state, suggesting that these funds could be redirected towards preventative measures.
The calls for intervention come in the wake of alarming crime statistics in Kununurra, a town with a population of just over 5,000. In recent weeks, dozens of juveniles have been arrested, prompting former police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan to advocate for the removal of child offenders from unsafe homes. O’Callaghan described this approach as necessary to protect both the children and the community.
In response, Western Australia’s Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia acknowledged the need for a tougher stance on serious offenders but maintained that interventions should be prioritized for those who could benefit from support rather than punishment. “Those who might have their behaviours changed through intervention or diversion are not the serious offenders that are stealing vehicles and driving them at police,” he stated.
Local Aboriginal community leaders, including Adrian McCann, chief executive officer of the Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation, have expressed concern over the calls for removal, arguing that they stem from a broken system. McCann attributed the rise in juvenile crime to factors such as a lack of housing and insufficient government support for community programs. He noted that the recent spike in youth crime is unprecedented in recent years.
Community advocates have identified the absence of available services at night as a critical factor contributing to the crime wave. A new initiative, the $6 million Night Space program, is set to launch in Kununurra next year, aiming to address issues of youth presence on the streets during late hours. This program follows the success of similar initiatives in other areas of the Kimberley, such as Broome and Fitzroy Crossing.
The situation in Kununurra exemplifies a broader challenge faced by communities across Australia, where the interplay of social issues, economic factors, and systemic shortcomings continues to affect the lives of children and families. As the community calls for a more integrated approach, the hope is that collaborative efforts among state agencies and local organizations can pave the way for meaningful change.
