Gunner government set to pipeline more children into harmful NT prisons

The Human Rights Law Centre has slammed punitive new laws passed by the Gunner government in the Northern Territory late last night.

The laws will see the number of children behind bars soar in the Northern Territory by making it harder for children to get bail in certain cases, restricting access to diversion opportunities and expanding police powers to shackle children with electronic tracking devices.

The dangerous laws will result in more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being funneled into youth prisons in the Northern Territory, where the children behind bars are too often all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The harsh measures represent a backflip by the Gunner government, which previously accepted all recommendations made by the Don Dale Royal Commission in principle.

Meena Singh, Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, said:

“Yesterday the Gunner Government turned its back on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory. Now we are all wondering what the Don Dale Royal Commission was for. Our greatest fear is that these laws will lead to the death of a child in custody.

“These laws will see the number of children in prisons skyrocket as they languish behind bars waiting for their date in court. They will experience fear and trauma that will increase the likelihood of becoming entrenched in the criminal legal system. While waiting in prison, these children will be disconnected from family, community and culture.

“Responses should always be grounded in rehabilitation and support, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, this means strong connection with culture and family. Overwhelming evidence shows that putting children in prison does not stop offending, nor result in rehabilitation. Instead of locking more children up, the Gunner Government should instead be working with communities to support children in all aspects of their life – education, health and wellbeing and culture. These are the things that keep communities safe.”

Media contact:
Michelle Bennett, Engagement Director, 0419 100 519, michelle.bennett@hrlc.org.au