The NT Government is recruiting a new tsar to build prisons on time and budget

The Government is about to appoint a new $250,000 public servant to its ranks. Read what for.

The Northern Territory Government will appoint a construction tsar to oversee its estimated $700m Corrections works program to ensure the infrastructure rollout is completed on time and budget.

The executive director position’s appointment will be a fixed-term contract for up to four years, with an annual remuneration package of $247,170 that reflects “the seniority and scope of the position within the Department of Corrections”.

With a net increase of 500 prisoners in the Territory system since August and many more expected to follow, the NT Government has rolled out an extensive infrastructure program, pivotal to which is repurposing the old Berrimah facility from youth detention back to its original role as an adult prison.

NT corrections commissioner Matthew Varley and Deputy chief minister Gerard Maley. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Corrections masterplan, released in October, would also see the Alice Springs youth detention facility repurposed into a women’s prison, opening up an additional 130 male prisoner beds at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre.

A new 150-bed women’s prison at Holtze has also been planned, with construction to be completed by September 2028 as well as new work camps in Holtze and Katherine.

With the repurposed Berrimah prison only expected to operate for two years, the infrastructure boss will be tasked with achieving the impossible - completing an NTG program on time and on budget.

Burnt by construction blowouts at the 96-bed Alice Springs modular facility, the so-called O Block which was due for completion mid last year, Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley is determined to complete infrastructure projects on time and budget to meet surging prisoner numbers.

Gerard Maley about to tuck in at Alice Springs prison October 2024.

Since August 2024, there has been a net increase of 500 prisoners across the Territory on the back of the CLP’s tough approach to crime.

“(O Block) was a project we started a bit over two years go,” Commissioner Varley said.

“It's taken far longer than it should have and what I would have liked.

“(The appointment) will be a brand new role for a Corrections lead program manager on what is the largest expansion program for Corrections ever.

“Timelines are very tight and the government will hold us to timelines that are very tight.

“Corrections has experienced significant growth in recent months, including the addition of Youth Justice and the Holtze Youth Detention Centre.

“Alongside this expansion, we remain committed to deliver our master plan, which includes several key infrastructure projects to support our evolving needs.

“We are actively recruiting an executive director for Infrastructure and Facilities to drive efficiency and bring critical corrections expertise to the role.

“This leadership position will be key to ensuring our projects are completed within the projected time frame, ultimately allowing Corrections to open more beds, alleviate workforce pressures, and improve conditions for our workforce and prisoners.”

The recruitment process is being supported by a national search conducted by a recruitment firm, and the Department is aiming to finalise the appointment shortly after the March 3 application closing date, depending on the success of the candidate assessment process.

Comment has been sought from Corrections Minister Gerard Maley.