The 96-bed modular sector at Alice Springs Correctional Centre is about to come online, as the Finocchiaro CLP Government's Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan reaches a significant milestone.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the additional capacity was a key part of the Government's plan to strengthen the corrections system and improve community safety.
"This expansion is delivering real solutions to meet the growing demand on our corrections system," he said.
"An unprecedented rise in prisoner numbers means we have seen unprecedented pressures and workforce challenges across our Corrections system.
"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 96-bed modular section at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre adds to the expanded capacity at Berrimah Correctional Centre, which now 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," said Mr Maley.
"That is why we are also introducing legislation at next week's parliamentary sittings here, to allow the Corrections Commissioner to utilise external workforces, including experience 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."
