NT Taxpayers spend six times national average on youth detention, report shows

THE Territory Government spends six times the national average on its beleaguered youth detention regime, figures compiled by the Productivity Commission show

The entrance to H Block at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre after parts of the centre was set on fire during a riot. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE Territory Government spends six times the national average on its beleaguered youth detention regime, figures compiled by the Productivity Commission show.

A report on government services, due to be released today, will show the Territory Government spends the equivalent of $2178 per year on youth justice per child, including those who never come into contact with the system.

Don Dale detention centre was set on fire last year. Picture: Keri Megelus

The figure dwarfs the national average of $356 per year, as does the rate at which the Territory locks up young offenders.

The report shows a youth detention rate of 15.3 per 100,000 population, a figure “well above the national average and at least three times as high as any other state or Territory”.

■ CLP leader calls for more kids to be jailed

A spokesman for Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the rate of detention was “nothing to be proud of” but showed criticisms of police for using diversion powers were not justified.

“(The figure) is contrary to commentary that youth offenders are not given custodial punishments,” the spokesman said.

Three teenagers on the roof of Don Dale Detention Centre last year.

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins on Monday said property crims needed a “kick up the behind”.

Mr Higgins’ comments came after video emerged of a group of teenagers smashing windows and threatening security guards at Palmerston Shopping Centre.

He said parts of the community wanted “a more custodial approach” rather than “getting a pat on the back of the hand”.

Police escorting a teenager after a riot and fire at Don Dale Detention Centre. Picture: Keri Megelus

The report shows a sharp decline in escapes from Don Dale and Alice Springs detention centres in the last financial year, although both detention centres saw a sharp spike in violence and property damage, including a deliberately lit fire at Don Dale in November.

In the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Justice Dean Mildren sentenced a 16-year-old to 15 months detention, partly suspended, over his role in a violent 2017 car jacking.

A report said the teenager had been involved in 31 incidents in detention since August last year, including an assault on a guard in Don Dale, over which he has been charged.

The court heard concerns he would again escape from the Bush Mob rehabilitation centre if sent there, but that he could still turn his life around when released with the help of his family and a supportive employer.