FATHER ANGRY AFTER 12-YEAR-OLD ABORIGINAL GIRL ARRESTED AT A SCHOOL

The father of a 12-year-old girl who was arrested at a Perth school last week is angry.

The father said police arrested his daughter while she was at school for alleged assault. 

He believes the actions of the police were heavy-handed, and is calling on the state government to devise a policy to protect youth from harsh treatment.

He said he felt the school wasn’t properly prepared for the situation.

“I don’t think the schools are properly equipped for when the police do go to the school,” he said.

“I think they just comply with the police.”

“I think they get a little bit shocked. I think the Education Department needs to have a policy and the police need to have a policy, working together moving forward.”

The father said more Aboriginal and Islander Education officers should be employed in the education system to allow schools to respond to situations involving Aboriginal students and police more effectively.

A WA Police spokesperson said officers make decisions regarding the restraint of alleged offenders while considering the safety of the alleged offender, other bystanders, and officers at a particular point in time.

In a statement, Education and Aboriginal affairs Minister Tony Buti said he agrees there is a need for more Aboriginal and Islander Education officers in schools.  

He also stated that in 2021, funding for the employment of an additional 43 Aboriginal and Islander education officers was allocated across 70 regional senior high schools, district high schools, and remote community schools.