Youth prison guards walk off job at Banksia Hill Detention Centre as industrial dispute escalates

Dozens of prison staff have walked off the job at the state's only youth prison, demanding better safety conditions in a move the state government described as "disappointing".

The ABC understands staff concerns relate to low staffing levels at the beleaguered Banksia Hill Detention Centre which are forcing them to implement rolling lockdowns where youth offenders are held for 23 hours a day in their cells.

It has come on a difficult day for the state's justice system, after the death of an Indigenous prisoner at the adult Hakea Prison just hours earlier.

The walk-off follows an incident in late February where a custodial officer was seriously injured and required surgery after detainees hurled debris at guards from the roof of the facility.

Read More: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-09/guards-walk-off-job-at-banksia-hill-as-indusrial-action-escalat-/102075480