The Finocchiaro CLP Government will introduce the Correctional Services Legislative Amendment Bill 2025 in Parliament next week to support Corrections officers and ease workforce pressures.
The Bill will allow the Commissioner of Corrections to appoint special corrections and parole officers, including external workforce and interstate corrections personnel, which will provide a more flexible workforce framework.
Custodial staff are working around 168,000 hours each year escorting prisoners, including for court appearances, prison transfers, and hospital bedsits - equating to around $11 million annually in overtime costs.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said: "We have listened to the workforce and decisive action by our government will address staffing pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the NT's Corrections system.
"These reforms are necessary to manage rising prisoner numbers and ensure the continued safety of Corrections staff and the wider community.
"Our corrections system is under immense pressure due to a sustained increase in prisoner numbers. Since the August election, there has been increase of more than 500 prisoners, and we are taking action to ensure the corrections system remains functional, effective, and safe," said Mr Maley.
This initiative will not replace the ongoing corrections recruitment program; however, the reality is that recruiting and training skilled corrections staff is a time-intensive process. This serves as a practical solution to ensure that our experienced staff can remain focused on their core duties.
Amendments to the Correctional Services Act will provide the flexibility needed to manage critical services, reduce the pressure on frontline corrections staff, and create a more sustainable workforce.
The special corrections and parole officers will be able assist with functions such as prisoner transport, escort services between Correctional Centres, health and hospital appointments, electronic monitoring, and compliance activities.
Supporting frontline corrections staff to concentrate on core duties will also allow a greater focus on rehabilitation, education, and skills training programs for prisoners.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said the legislative amendments will allow him to draw on supplementary workforces to support core operations, and he will work with staff, unions and stakeholders during this transition.
"Our focus remains on building a stronger, more sustainable corrections workforce while ensuring the safety of our staff and better rehabilitation outcomes for the people in our custody and supervision," said Mr Varley.
"I want to personally thank our correctional officers, community corrections officers, youth justice staff, our operational support staff, and everyone behind the scenes for their unwavering commitment. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed, and I am incredibly grateful and proud of your efforts and support during this challenging time."
