Advocates are warning that a death in custody could happen soon due to the current state of the Northern Territory watch houses. These facilities, including the one in Palmerston, are facing significant overcrowding, with over 70 correctional prisoners being held there.
“It’s only a matter of time.”
Rocket Bretherton, who serves as the NT Coordinator for the Justice Reform Initiative, has expressed concern for individuals currently involved in the territory’s justice system. She has been actively working to highlight the system’s shortcomings, drawing on her extensive experience within it.
For years Ms Bretherton has campaigned and advocated for justice reform in the Northern Territory.
“That’s disgusting, we need to be doing better.”
Police union calls out ‘crisis point’
“It’s not a matter of if, but when a serious custody incident occurs.”
Since taking office last August, the NT Country Liberal Party Government has rolled out several strict policies aimed at tackling crime, such as making bail laws more stringent. These measures have contributed to the current challenges faced by the justice system. Emma Kellaway is a source for this information.
88 per cent of those incarcerated in the NT are Indigenous.
‘No alternative’ in Government response
“If we don’t do that then there will be no change.”
