New $3.5m Tennant Creek Youth Facility to have ‘no locks or bars’

THE NT government is on the search for a company to build a new $3.5m youth justice facility with ‘no locks or bars’

THE NT government is on the search for a company to build a $3.5m youth justice facility in Tennant Creek with “no locks or bars”, has a “home like feel” and is painted in “fresh and original” colours.

The building, to be constructed on Peko Road, is part of the Territory government’s ongoing reforms to the youth justice system to teach youth consequences and “put them on a better path and away from a lifetime of crime”, according to Territory Families Minister Kate Worden.

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The government released the tender for construction of the facility this week, with documents describing it as having “no locks or bars” and a “place for reconnection to self, family and the community”.

“The overall facility will be of a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere with a home like feel with sustainable and durable materials and finishes,” documents state.

Ms Worden said the facility, as a part of the broader reform program, was in line with recommendations out of the Royal Commission into Youth Detention to support alternatives to detention.

Schematic drawings of the Tennant Creek Youth Facility. Picture: Supplied

Government data released as part of budget estimates revealed 90 youth attended alternative sentencing camps in 2019/20.

Of the records the government could track down, 18 per cent of kids went on to reoffend within the first six months.

By comparison, an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found 59 per cent of youths sent to jail reoffended within six months.

Under its construction guidelines, the government has also asked for the facility be painted in colours that are “fresh and original” in order to create a feeling of warmth, safety and to counter effects of personal stress.

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Up to eight youths would be accommodated under the first stage of construction, though government drawings show there would be up to 16 rooms if stage two is built.

The Peko Road site, according to the government, was chosen after 12 months of consultation with the Barkly Regional Deal Youth Justice Accommodation Facility working group.

Other options included Juno and Udall roads.