Latest News

YAC in the media

6 Aug 2024 - Review into Queensland police watch houses to probe 'end-to-end systemic issues' - ABC News Broadcast

6 Aug 2024 - Queensland police launch review after revelations of ‘abominable’ treatment of children in watch houses - The Guardian

6 Aug 2024 - Review into Queensland police watch houses to probe 'end-to-end systemic issues' - ABC News

19 July 2024 - ‘Harrowing’ footage sparks calls for Queensland government to remove children from police watch houses - The Guardian

18 July 2024 - Inside the isolation cells where Australian kids are imprisoned | In the Box | Short Documentary - SBS & The Guardian

15 July 2024 - How Queensland’s youth crime crackdown is forcing vulnerable kids into ‘brutal’ detention system - The Guardian

11 July 2024 - Former Queensland officers 'sickened' by video of police beating teen with baton in watch house - ABC

10 July 2024 - A teenager was beaten repeatedly with a baton in a watch house - an investigation found the use of force was "reasonable". - 7:30 Report

10 July 2024 - 'Jason' was beaten repeatedly with a baton in a watch house. An investigation found the use of force was 'reasonable' - ABC

10 July 2024 - LNP youth crime policy aims to stamp out 'repeat untouchables' - ABC

8 July 2024 - Katherine Hayes on 4BC Mornings - 4BC

8 July 2024 - 10 News coverage of LNP 'Adult Crime Adult Time' policy announcement - 10 News

3 June 2024 - Indigenous children over-represented among "forgotten kids" in justice system - NIT

1 May 2024 - Queensland government to remove 'detention as a last resort' from its youth justice principles - ABC

1 May 2024 - Youth justice advocates denounce Queensland Labor’s ‘irresponsible’ detention changes - The Guardian

29 April 2024  - 'It's a systemic issue': Calls for better treatment for youths in watchhouses - 4BC

29 April 2024 - QLD Govt accused of human rights breaches for young offenders - ABC Radio

29 April 2024 - Youth Advocacy Centre taking legal action against Queensland government over watch house crisis - ABC

18 April 2024 - Disbanded Youth Justice Reform Select Committee hands down interim report today as advocates express 'disappointment' - ABC

17 April 2024 - YAC on Triple J Hack - Triple J

17 April 2024 - Underfunding of community legal centres crippling rehabilitation chances, making youth crime worse - ABC

12 April 2024 - Queensland government accused of failing to provide adequate schooling to locked up children - The Guardian

18 March 2024 - 'No one cares' : Outrage at the Queensland Government for failing to protect vulnerable children before their death - National Indigenous Times

News from YAC

YAC 2022 AGM

November 17, 2022

Last Friday the Youth Advocacy Centre held our 2022 AGM in South Brisbane. The meeting was opened beautifully by Aunty Dawn Daylight. Cameron Costello was the guest speaker and emphasised his respect and admiration for the work the Youth Advocacy Centre does in the community, and for standing up for young people. He also spoke…

2021/22 Annual Report released

November 17, 2022

The Youth Advocacy Centre 2021/22 Annual Report is now released and available for download here. The report includes an overview of the diverse services we provide, as well as context of ongoing need for support services for young people in Queensland.

Laying Down the Law training now available online

September 27, 2022

Our Laying Down the Law training program is now available in online format, accessible to individuals or groups across Queensland. You can view the course and enroll here. The training is specially designed for those who are working or volunteering with young people in Queensland. The course will educate you on the most important laws…

Children still being held in police watch houses

September 22, 2022

ABC’s 7:30 report recently covered the issue of children being detained in police watch houses. This is an issue which YAC and other community groups have been calling attention to for over 30 years. Download the PDF of our media statement here. You can read more information on the topic in our Orange Paper #1 – originally…

YAC CEO Appointment Announcement

September 1, 2022

The Youth Advocacy Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Hayes as CEO. Katherine’s appointment was made following outgoing CEO Katie Acheson’s decision to step down due to family reasons. YAC’s Management Committee regrettably accepted Katie’s resignation, acknowledging with gratitude the immense contribution Katie made to YAC during her tenure. Katie’s experience, leadership,…

Contact YAC

Street address: Level 4, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane Q 4101

Mailing address: Level 4, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane Q 4101

Tel: (07) 3356 1002

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