# Queensland ombudsman backs away from call to close Wacol youth centre

https://mins.news/en/item/97172

- The Guardian, 2026-10-12 23:00 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/13/queensland-ombudsman-backs-away-from-calls-to-close-youth-prison-so-unsuitable-some-children-self-harm-to-get-transferred-ntwnfb

> Queensland Ombudsman Anthony Reilly has withdrawn his recommendation to close Wacol youth remand centre, despite saying it is unsuitable for holding children for long periods and that some self-harm to seek transfer. He cited fears that new bail laws could overcrowd police watch houses. Advocacy group Sisters Inside called the reversal a “gutless retreat.”