The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering critical workforce support for NT Corrections staff through a partnership between the Department of Corrections and G4S, a leader in custodial services.
The agreement follows a rapid, robust and thorough procurement process, through the Department of Corrections, and will be rolled out under a phased approach.
The first cohort of G4S staff is expected to take the oath and commence induction training within weeks.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said this partnership was a critical step in delivering targeted support to existing NT Corrections staff and ensured the long-term sustainability of the corrections system.
"Our corrections staff have been stretched too thin for too long, after eight long years of neglect under the previous government," he said.
"This partnership with G4S will provide much-needed relief by shifting key external operational roles to experienced personnel, allowing our officers to focus on their core custodial duties.
"This is about backing our workforce and ensuring they have the support and resources they need to carry out their critical work safely and effectively."
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said the partnership was a significant step in strengthening custodial operations and supporting the existing workforce.
"This partnership with G4S marks an important step forward in supporting our custodial operations and relieving pressure on our dedicated staff. By outsourcing tasks like court escorts and prisoner transfers, we are able to refocus our internal resources where they are needed most," said Mr Varley.
"Our staff are the backbone of the Department of Corrections, and it is vital that we support their well-being by reducing the pressures they face. By integrating external service providers and implementing a surge workforce, we are ensuring that our teams can focus on what matters most - the safety and security of our correctional facilities."
A key element of the agreement is G4S's commitment to deploying existing, qualified staff who already hold a Certificate III in Correctional Practice or higher, or a qualification determined as equivalent by the Commissioner.
Managing Director G4S ANZ, Rebecca Power, welcomed the opportunity to work with the Department of Corrections.
"G4S is pleased to partner with the Northern Territory Department of Corrections to provide non-custodial services and looks forward to becoming a trusted partner in NT community safety," she said.
This partnership also supports the broader Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan, which is progressing at a rapid pace to deliver a safer and more effective system for staff, the community, and prisoners.
As part of the wider workforce response, Corrections are training Youth Justice Officers (YJOs) to deploy and provide support to adult custodial operations in supplementary roles outside the wire.
The first 10-day training program is expected to be completed later this week.
The CLP Government remains committed to strengthening the NT's correctional system by ensuring a sustainable, well-supported workforce that prioritises staff safety and operational efficiency.
