The Western Australian government has announced a new space for children who are found on the streets at night, or who come to the attention of police in Broome.
In an agreement with the Department of Justice, Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation (KRCIC), an Aboriginal-led organisation, has been chosen as the service provider for the pilot program.
The night space will operate from Thursday to Sunday, with police and program staff patrolling the streets, and will aim to provide shelter, food and support to youth in the Kimberley.
Divina D’Anna, a Yawuru, Nimanburr and Bardi woman, and the Member for Kimberley, said the local community will benefit greatly from the night space and praised KRCIC.
“KRCIC has a strong history of supporting Broome residents and this Immediate Response Safe Space will build on the incredible work already being done to support youth in the region,” Ms D’Anna said.
The WA government said the $4 million dollar pilot program will keep young people out of harm's way as well as connect them with a responsible adult and offer follow-up holistic care.
Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia said the night space would address the drivers of crime and noted the benefit of engaging local services.
“By addressing the drivers that contribute to the risk of young people engaging in criminal and anti-social behaviours, we can deliver better outcomes for them, improve community safety and reduce pressure on officers," said Mr Papalia.
“The coordinated approach involving local people who know the community will provide assistance, as well as ongoing supports, to young people who currently can’t always find a safe space to be.”
The announcement of the night space comes after a large-scale police operation was launched in the region in February 2022 to address youth crime.
Operation Regional Shield saw additional police resources and officers from major cities deployed to the Kimberley and Pilbara for two-week stints.
A year after the launch of Operation Regional Shield, police had made 1,485 arrests and 1,967 charges, but the effectiveness of the additional presence of police in reducing crime was questioned.
In November 2022, the WA Police Union criticised the operation.
“The cost involved, both the monetary and staff power, is unsustainable … and the cost of leaving the root of the problem unsolved in the region is immense,” the union said in a motion at a conference.
Despite criticism, the state government allocated $11.7 million in the 2023-24 State Budget to extend Operation Regional Shield.
