Defunct Jail Reopens as Inmate Numbers Surge in Northern Territory
Berrimah jail, once deemed unfit, now houses inmates as the Northern Territory faces a surge in prisoner numbers
Berrimah Jail, Northern Territory, Inmate Numbers, Gerard Maley, Alice Springs
Darwin: A notorious prison that was once called “fit for a bulldozer” is now back in action, housing adult prisoners as the number of inmates keeps climbing.
Fifty adult prisoners have been moved to Berrimah jail, which was shut down in 2012. The former corrections commissioner, Ken Middlebrook, who made that call, is now advising the current Corrections Minister, Gerard Maley.
Middlebrook had said the place was only good for demolition, but it later became the infamous Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. Now, it’s back to holding adults.
Maley mentioned that they sped up work at the facility to deal with the rising number of prisoners since the Country Liberal Party took over in August.
He stated, “The CLP wants to send a message: commit a crime in the Northern Territory, and you’ll end up in Berrimah, no questions asked.”
He emphasized that there would be consequences for actions, and they’re ensuring there’s enough space for inmates.
This rundown facility is part of a larger plan to add over 1,000 prison beds by 2028, which would push the inmate count in the NT beyond 3,000.
That’s more than 1% of the NT’s population potentially behind bars.
As part of this plan, many individuals have been relocated across the Territory.
Since October, young people from various areas, including Alice Springs, have been moved to the new Holtz Youth Detention Centre next to the high-security adult jail in Darwin.
Meanwhile, the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre is now housing women prisoners, raising concerns among legal and advocacy groups.
Debbie Kilroy, founder of Sisters Inside, pointed out that the Northern Territory justice system is at a breaking point and urged governments to condemn the forced relocation of women and children.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley noted that the number of people on remand has surged since the August election, putting more pressure on both prisons and police watch houses.
He revealed that up to 80 people have been kept for weeks on mattresses in police holding cells, which is similar to conditions in Alice Springs and Katherine.
Varley acknowledged that the numbers are higher than he’d like but insisted they’re responding to police activity and community expectations.
He added, “Yes, they’re on mattresses on the floor; no, they’re not inhumane conditions.”