Across the Northern Territory, NT Correctional Services is marking National Corrections Day with a range of formal and informal activities including graduation parades and presentations for outstanding service, as well as social gatherings of colleagues and families.

NTCS Commissioner Scott McNairn says National Corrections Day is an opportunity to recognise the dedicated men and women at the forefront of the Territory’s Correctional Services who are working hard to support safer communities by reducing reoffending.

‘National Corrections Day is about recognising the valuable contributions being made on a daily basis by the many teams within custodial and community corrections as they strive to make a real difference to the lives of people who have come in contact with the justice system’, Mr McNairn says.  

‘Events are planned in all locations from Nhulunbuy, Jabiru and Darwin to Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs and we will also be recognising the contributions of our many important stakeholders and community partners including members of the Elders Visiting Program. 

‘None of our Correctional Services jobs are easy. They all require commitment, professionalism and dedication and we have many fantastic people who are helping to transform the lives of offenders so they can return to their families and communities with the skills and learnings to make better choices and positive contributions.

‘We have many challenges here in the Territory with high rates of Aboriginal imprisonment, rising rates of reoffending and the need to provide improved training and education programs that will better prepare offenders for a more productive life on the outside.  

‘With these challenges also come many opportunities and I am determined that through a collaborative approach with my workforce in both custodial and community corrections, we will introduce the reforms needed to become the leading provider of Correctional Services in Australia.’

Fast facts about NT Correctional Services:

• As at 10 January 2019 NTCS employs 850 staff including 540 custodial officers.
• Staff working at the NT’s two secure custodial facilities in Darwin and Alice Springs also include 83 services and program staff and 8 psychologists.
• NTCS operates two work camps, one at Nhulunbuy and one in the Barkly, that employ 29 staff including 22 custodial officers.
• 132 Community Corrections Officers are employed at the main office in Darwin and a range of regional offices across the NT.