BushMob notified Territory Families on Tuesday of its intention to withdraw from delivering early intervention youth programs from the Love’s Creek facility in Alice Springs. Territory Families Acting Deputy CEO Karen Broadfoot flew to Alice Springs yesterday to meet with BushMob.

This is a disappointing decision given the significant funding and support from Territory Families to BushMob over the previous 10 months.

Territory Families has over this period invested $110,900 into infrastructure upgrades at the facility, including installation of universal locks and steel lock plates, air-conditioning to all accommodation rooms, extensive road-grading, multiple safes, and a new generator. Additional works to the value of $180,000 are planned this financial year. BushMob has received $2.485 million to deliver early intervention youth programs since June 2016 (funded till December 2017).

A review was recently commissioned by Territory Families to consider the effectiveness of early intervention youth boot camps run across the Northern Territory. A number of recommendations are included in the review which is available from the Territory Families website.

This review forms part of a significant body of work being undertaken by Territory Families to reform the Youth Justice space and will also be informed by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Detention and Protection of Children.

Providing an alternative to detention is an important part of our youth justice reforms and this will continue with a new provider that is able to effectively deliver this service.

Territory families will work with BushMob in regards to their proposed exit strategy and consider alternate arrangements, including supporting any youths referred to complete the program, and undertaking procurement processes for a new service provider.

Media contact: Christine Bond 89992940, 0475 953 571