A Tasmanian public servant has been hired to implement proposed reforms to WA's youth detention system. Narelle Butt took on the role after former under-treasurer and mental health commissioner Tim Marney's six month contract wasn't renewed.
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00:00 He left big shoes to fill. It's hoped the person chosen to continue his work can rise
00:06 to the challenge.
00:07 We're on a prayer that she can do the job. I hope she can deliver, but I won't hold
00:12 out hope because she's been betrayed in the past.
00:15 The Department of Justice confirmed a new program director has begun working with senior
00:20 management at Banksia Hill. It's understood Narelle Bart began the role several weeks
00:25 ago.
00:26 They were well regarded by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Tasmania.
00:32 They said they're a straight shooter. So usually straight shooters are action focused, so let's
00:38 hope that's the case.
00:39 Last year she was working in Tasmania overseeing young detainees' wellbeing at the Ashley
00:44 Youth Detention Centre, which is slated for closure next year amid allegations of abuse
00:50 and neglect.
00:51 Ms Bart also has experience in the mental health, drug and alcohol sector.
00:56 They get into that cycle of the illicit drug use, which then goes into criminal activity,
01:01 which then they find themselves in the prison system, and it's very difficult for them to
01:05 get out of that.
01:06 The department says the new program director will work on progressing the implementation
01:11 of the model of care.
01:12 I think the critical work for implementing the new operating philosophy and model of
01:18 care is crucial.
01:19 In order to move forward with the transformation of the youth justice system in WA, including
01:26 the model of care within youth detention facilities, there needs to be very strong and strategic
01:34 leadership.
01:35 The Department of Justice hasn't explicitly clarified it's using the same model of care
01:40 Mr Marnie developed.
01:42 But experts have made it clear the stakes of getting it right have never been higher.
01:47 [BLANK_AUDIO]