Queensland’s youth remand centre at Wacol, a facility often criticised for its austere conditions and use of unsuitable spaces for children, will remain open amid concerns that recent bail reforms could increase youth detention numbers beyond existing capacity. This marks a shift from earlier recommendations by the Queensland ombudsman, Anthony Reilly, who had previously called for the closure of the centre once a new facility at Woodford becomes operational.

The Wacol centre, located near Brisbane, was originally designed as a police watch house before being repurposed to detain young people. It predominantly houses Indigenous youth from northern Queensland, particularly when the Cleveland youth detention centre in Townsville becomes overcrowded. Reilly’s latest inspection report highlighted ongoing issues at Wacol, including a lack of privacy, limited space, and poor natural lighting. The report also noted that some children held there for extended periods—some over a month—exhibited self-harming behaviours, reportedly to prompt transfer to other detention centres.

Despite these concerns, Reilly acknowledged that the revised Queensland “breach bail, go to jail” laws could cause significant increases in youth detainee numbers. He warned that the combined capacity of existing youth detention centres and the new Woodford facility might prove insufficient, potentially resulting in more children being held in police watch houses for prolonged periods. In this context, the ombudsman argued that while Wacol is not an ideal setting, it remains a comparatively better option than crowded police watch houses, where young people have been held for extended durations under even more unsuitable conditions.

The decision to keep Wacol operational drew criticism from advocacy groups, including Sisters Inside, which supports women and girls in custody. Debbie Kilroy, the organisation’s chief executive, described the ombudsman’s reversal as a “gutless retreat,” suggesting it reflected a concession to government policies aimed at increasing youth incarceration. Kilroy emphasized that a facility’s unsuitability should not be overlooked simply because of political pressure or broader systemic issues. “Children’s safety cannot be negotiated down to accommodate a political agenda,” she said, calling on authorities to prioritise the welfare of detained youth.

Queensland authorities are currently advancing the construction of the Woodford youth detention centre, intended to modernize and expand the state’s capacity to house young detainees. However, with bail reforms expected to raise detention numbers, pressure remains on the system to balance secure custody with the well-being of vulnerable children, especially Indigenous youth disproportionately represented in detention. The Wacol centre’s continued use underscores ongoing challenges in managing youth justice amid changing legislative landscapes and systemic limitations.