Unit 18 is a youth prison unit set up within Casuarina maximum security adult prison by former WA Premier Mark McGowan and his Corrective Services Minister at the time, Bill Johnston. 

Since it's establishment in July 2022, Unit 18 has been known for it's unsafe conditions and degrading treatment of young people who are shuffled back and forth between Banksia Hill child prison and Casuarina Adult prison as an extra means of punishment. In the first 2 months Unit 18 was open multiple young people were hospitalised after attempting to take their own lives. Since then, we have seen self harm rates and suicide attempts soar in both Unit 18 and Banksia Hill. This was constantly put on the WA government's agenda but the warnings of Aboriginal activists, child safety experts, the Commissioner of Children and young people and legal experts fell on deaf ears as no action was taken. 

Right now the nation is hearing about the tragic and preventable death of 16 year old boy – who was found unresponsive while on remand in Unit 18 and passed a week later in hospital. Since Unit 18 was opened there has been 20 suicide attempts and more than 350 instances of self-harm.

UNIT 18 MUST BE CLOSED IMMEDIATELY TO PROTECT OUR YOUTH AND ENSURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.

Join us in demanding action and accountability from the WA Government.