Review into major Darwin prison riot yet to be seen by Ombudsman, with chance Paget report may never be released

THE NT Ombudsman has not seen the government-ordered report into the major riot at the Darwin Correctional Centre despite asking several times

The Darwin Correctional Precinct, Hotlze, has been subject to a riot in 2020 causing extensive damage. Picture: Che Chorley

THE NT Ombudsman has not seen the government-ordered report into the major riot at the Darwin Correctional Centre that caused more than $20m in damage despite asking several times.

And there’s a chance the report, written by Professor John Paget, may never be released.

During the riot, on May 13, 21 prisoners left their cells, set fire to parts of the jail, and caused extensive damage to the facility.

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Prof Paget, a former head of NSW Corrections, was appointed in June to independently review what had happened.

It was one of three investigations ordered into the incident.

Then Attorney-General and Justice Minister Natasha Fyles said the review would be made public once completed.

But the government appears to have changed its tune, with her successor Selena Uibo saying the government’s decision not to release the report would be “reconsidered” once court matters are finalised.

Attorney General Selena Uibo. Picture: Che Chorley

NT Ombudsman Peter Shoyer revealed at budget estimates on Monday that he had asked the Corrections Commissioner and the Acting Corrections Commissioner on “two or three occasions” for a copy of the Paget report but was yet to see it.

“It’s important to consider whether all aspects of the response to that particular incident have been considered and dealt with,” Mr Shoyer said.

“On the basis of the briefings that I’ve received I don’t necessarily consider it will be an issue that we need to follow up.

“But I think it’s important to receive a copy of the report to actually confirm that that’s the case.”

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Demanding the report be made public, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said it was “seriously concerning” that the document had been “withheld” from Mr Shoyer.

Ms Uibo, reiterating a previous statement, said legal advice had highlighted it would be inappropriate to release the report, including to the ombudsman, as it could “jeopardise current court proceedings”.