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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Ben Smee, Queensland state correspondent

Psychologist treating children in Cairns watch house warns of ‘horrendous’ and ‘inhumane’ conditions

Stock photo of Queensland police officers
Children in Cairns watch house are not being provided adequate food, medical attention or legal help, a senior psychologist has alleged. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP

A senior psychologist treating children in the Cairns police watch house sent a “cry for help” letter detailing “horrendous” conditions and alleged human rights abuses in the lockup, including claims young people are not being provided adequate food, medical attention or legal support.

The letter, seen by Guardian Australia, was sent to senior Queensland officials and several others on Monday by Andrea Bates, a psychologist with the Cairns court liaison service.

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