New reports confirm a surge in juvenile crime across Kununurra, prompting former police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan to call for immediate government intervention. Over the past week, authorities have arrested 29 juveniles in the region, with a shocking incident involving a 10-year-old boy arrested twice for police pursuits in stolen cars. The situation is escalating, and officials warn that without decisive action, conditions will only worsen.
Kununurra, located in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is grappling with increasing reports of youth crime, including rampant car thefts and vandalism. Footage from 7News reveals police actively breaking up groups of minors late at night, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. The police’s inability to find responsible guardians for these children has transformed their role into de facto babysitters, raising alarms about the safety and future of these vulnerable youths.
O’Callaghan emphasized the need for the Cook Government to make tough decisions, stating, “We’ve got to get a bit harder to save those kids and the town.” He advocates for the removal of troubled youth from unsafe environments, suggesting that some children need to be placed with more supportive families, ideally within the Aboriginal community. “Where children are in moral danger, physical danger, they have to be removed,” he added.
The Kimberley has been a hotspot for youth crime for over three decades, with previous interventions failing to yield lasting results. O’Callaghan criticized the lack of concrete solutions, stating, “Everyone is so worried about the stolen generation that we’re getting confused.” He insists that targeted interventions are necessary to prevent future generations from falling into cycles of addiction and neglect.
The Cook Government responded to these alarming developments, stating it is committed to an “evidence-based approach.” A spokesperson acknowledged the complexities of the situation: “While these recent reports of violent incidents in Kununurra are concerning, the circumstances are often complex and require a considered response.” The government has deployed night patrols and safe spaces to assist vulnerable children, claiming to see early signs of improvement.
However, opposition leader Basil Zempilas described Kununurra as a town “under siege,” advocating for a permanent increase in police presence and the fast-tracking of proposed support services. Police Commissioner Col Blanch noted that effective programs in other towns like Fitzroy and Broome show promise, but acknowledged the challenge of staffing in remote areas. “You don’t want to rush things, because you want to make sure it’s done properly,” he said.
The WA Police Union has raised concerns about housing shortages for officers, complicating recruitment efforts. “Kununurra is short of staff, because there’s no housing availability now,” said WAPU President Dave Flaherty. As the situation unfolds, police and community leaders continue to push for immediate solutions to safeguard the youth and restore order in Kununurra.
As the crisis deepens, the community is left to wonder what measures will be implemented next. With the situation evolving rapidly, residents and officials alike are calling for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of safety and well-being in the region. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as authorities work to address these pressing issues.
