Prisoner numbers surge by 84 in six days amid crime crackdown

30 December 2024

The Northern Territory’s prisoner numbers have risen by 84 since Christmas Eve, marking a 3.3% increase in just six days and bringing the total number of prisoners across the NT to 2,598.

Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the growing numbers reflected the CLP Government’s focus on keeping Territorians safe.

“This sends a clear message — if you commit a crime, you will face the consequences," he said.

“Crime, corrections, and the community were neglected for eight long years under Labor.

"Protecting Territorians is our priority, and we are doing what needs to be done to keep the community safe. 

“Our government will not apologise for continuing to lock up those who cause harm in our community."

Key Corrections actions over the past six days were:

• 40 male prisoners were transferred from Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC) to Berrimah Correctional Centre (BCC), increasing capacity at Berrimah to 106.
• On Friday, 27 December, 24 male prisoners were moved from Alice Springs Correctional Centre (ASCC) to DCC by charter flight.
• A further 24 male prisoners were transferred from the Alice Springs Watch House to ASCC, relieving Watch House pressures.

To manage increasing prisoner numbers, the CLP Government is delivering on its Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan and increasing staffing levels:

• By March, Berrimah Correctional Centre will have capacity for 200 male prisoners.
• Youths will be moved from Alice Springs to the new Youth Detention Centre at Holtze.
• The Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre will be repurposed into a women’s prison, which will free up more beds in the Alice Springs Correctional Centre.
• A 96-bed modular sector at Alice Springs Correctional Centre will come online early next year.
• Three new recruit squads will add dozens of Corrections Officers over the next three months, with 40 recruits beginning training early next month.

“I want to thank Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley, and all Corrections staff for their hard work during a particularly challenging time," said Mr Maley.

"Our focus is on protecting Territorians by getting offenders off the streets, boosting corrections capacity to manage rising prisoner numbers, and strengthening our workforce to meet these challenges."

Media Contact - Kyrrie Blenkinsop - 0461 385 914

Northern Territory Government