“Territory detention facilities are subject to rigorous independent statutory oversight, ensuring robust safeguards and accountability for all individuals held in detention and custody,” an official statement asserts.
A photograph recently surfaced showing cell M3 at Palmerston Watch House in the Northern Territory, capturing what seems to be 17 prisoners inside. This image, dated February 12, 2025, was provided by NT Police.
The human rights organization has expressed its intention to engage with government representatives, independent oversight bodies, civil society organizations, and other pertinent stakeholders. Their goal is to facilitate discussions and address concerns regarding detention conditions.
The organization also announced that a delegation comprising two experts will be dispatched to gather firsthand information from various detention environments, including prisons and police stations. They will also meet with migrants and individuals with psychosocial disabilities to understand their experiences.
In a recent report, Acting Ombudsman Bronwynn Haack highlighted severe issues within detention facilities. The report detailed experiences of extreme confinement, sleep deprivation, inadequate toilet access, and a significant decline in both physical and mental health among prisoners.
“No prisoner, regardless of their offence, should be held in such conditions.”
NT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Corrections Gerad Maley answered one question about the UN visit during a press conference to announce a gas agreement on Tuesday. Source: SBS News / Josh van Staden
Lia Finocchiaro’s CLP government said it welcomed the ombudsman NT’s Investigation Report into conditions for prisoners in NT Police watch houses.
“We make no apologies for restoring the rights of victims and the community and I’ve said many times, if you do the wrong thing, we will find you a bed.”
Keeping staff ‘safe’
“This is about keeping the staff safe, and I have got full confidence in the staff with corrections officers [to] do their job, and we’re focusing on keeping Territorians safe.”
NT independent MP Justine Davis. Source: supplied.
Independent MP says it’s ‘really frightening’
According to the latest annual report published by NT Corrections, the average prison population has spiked by 15 per cent over the past year.
Davis has called on the government to allow immediate UN access and for their findings to be treated seriously.
