The WA government has committed a further $147 million to fund the construction of a new youth detention centre in Perth to replace the notorious Unit 18.

State Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia said the new youth detention facility would be be "world leading" for high-risk detainees.

The $147 million will ensure the project's construction is fully funded, after the state government first allocated $11.5 million for detailed planning and early project works.

The prison is expected to be completed in 2028.

The new facility will house high-risk youth detainees who are currently accommodated at Unit 18, inside the maximum-security adult Casuarina Prison.

The unit was meant to be a temporary measure after it was converted for juveniles in 2022, but was still open in October 2023 w

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