One of the youngest people ever accused of murder in Australia has gone on trial in Perth Children's Court on Monday morning.

The 13-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 11 years old when he was charged with the murder of Patrick 'Paddy' Slater in 2016.

Patrick 'Paddy' Slater died at the Esplanade Train Station in Perth on Australia Day 2016

Mr Slater, 26, was beaten and stabbed to death in the early hours of January 27 at the then-Esplanade Station just hours after Australia Day celebrations had finished.

The boy has been in custody since shortly after the death awaiting trial.