A Queensland service providing assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in watch houses is hoping a meeting with the state government later this month will reverse a decision not to renew its funding.
Murri Watch has supported thousands of Indigenous young people in cities and towns across the state with its youth cultural support program for more than 30 years.
The program ensures children have access to basic hygiene essentials in watch houses across the state, including in Brisbane, Caboolture, Townsville, Mackay and others.
It also fosters cultural connection and can act as advocates for those they support.
But the program's funding will end on June 30, as current arrangements with the Queensland government come to an end.
Kristy-Lee Costello, the general manager of Murri Watch, says the organisation has serious concerns about the welfare of the young people her organisation currently supports.
"Every day, our teams are supporting children through crisis, often preventing escalation and keeping them safe.”," the Wakka Wakka Mandandanji woman said.
"Our work is not an optional service – it is a protective presence grounded in culture, trust, and community connection."
While other services provided by Murri Watch will continue, advocates say the loss of the youth program has advocates deeply concerned.
"Murri Watch provides a culturally safe, frontline service support to children in police watch houses," said Edward Monaei OAM, a Kuarareg and Meriam man.
"This work traces back to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. It's very important that the legacy of Murri Watch continues.
"If we didn't have a front line service that protects the interests of kids who come in contact with the justice system, then what safety is going to be in place if they take away the funding?"
The Queensland government has made significant interventions into the youth justice space since its election in 2024 on a "tough on crime" platform.
Since then, the number of young people in watch houses, prisons and on remand has increased, disproportionately affecting First Nations youth.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show Queensland has the highest number of young people in detention on any given night: 300 on average (June quarter 2025).
Murri Watch said it will be meeting with government representatives later this month, and is hopeful that funding may still be arranged.
"We acknowledge and appreciate the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support, and the Minister for agreeing to meet with us to hear our concerns," said Ms Costello.
"With children still being held in watch houses, we remain deeply committed to ensuring their safety and wellbeing is our joint priority."
A spokesperson for Youth Justice and Victim Support Minister Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government has delivered "a record $560 million investment in early intervention and rehabilitation", a response to what they called "Labor’s decade of weak laws".
"Under the former Labor Government youths languished in watch houses, but the Crisafulli Government is fixing Labor’s broken system and delivering new programs right across the state, including 22 First Nations-led organisations delivering 28 new services."
