An aerial view of the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, which now has 96 more beds. Photo: CASA.
A new, modular 96-bed section of the Alice Springs Correctional Centre is about to begin operations.
The addition is part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the expansion was key to the government’s plan to strengthen the corrections system in the territory and improve community safety.
“This expansion is delivering real solutions to meet the growing demand on our corrections system,” Mr Maley said.
“Since the August election, there has been a surge of more than 500 additional prisoners and our Infrastructure Master Plan is providing expanded capacity to manage the increase in prisoner numbers.”
The opening of the new section at the Alice Springs prison adds to the growing capacity at Berrimah Correctional Centre, which has 164 beds and is on track to reach 200 by the end of March.
“We are acting swiftly to increase capacity while ensuring our corrections workforce is supported to manage these pressures,” Mr Maley said.
“That is why we are also introducing legislation at next week’s parliamentary sittings to allow the Corrections Commissioner to utilise external workforces, including experience[d] interstate corrections personnel.
“We have listened to the workforce, which is why we are making changes to immediately address critical staffing gaps. These amendments prioritise existing NT Corrections staff and improve workplace conditions and safety.
“Delivering critical infrastructure and supporting the workforce will help ease pressure on the system. This is another step in our plan to strengthen corrections, support our Corrections staff, and keep Territorians safe.”
