$500M Boost for Corrections to Cut Crime in 2025-26
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to focus on keeping Territorians safe by allocating a record $495 million directly to Corrections in the 2025-26 Budget.
There will also be additional funding held in contingency to be drawn down to address corrections demand pressures as needed.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley confirmed the Corrections budget included new funding of $126 million in 2025-26 and $176 million per year ongoing from 2026-27, comprising:
$80 million in 2025-26 and $120 million ongoing from 2026-27 to address rising prisoner numbers through additional staffing and operational capacity, including expanding prisoner health services;$40 million in 2025-26 and $50 million ongoing from 2026-27 held in contingency and drawn down to address corrections pressures as needed;$6 million per annum ongoing from 2025-26 for additional electronic monitoring capacity.
A further $4.2 million has been allocated for domestic and family violence programs.
This funding does not include $117 million to deliver on the Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan.
“Our funding commitment of more than $500 million for Corrections is vital to the CLP Government’s priority in keeping the community safe and reducing crime,” said Mr Maley.
“We cannot expect to reduce crime without investing in our police, corrections and justice system, which is why we are boosting the bottom line for Corrections.
“Our CLP Government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty, and security and we’re delivering on that commitment with a strong, well-supported corrections system that keeps Territorians safe.
“While much of the increased funding is for increased operational and staffing costs to ensure we have the tools to manage the increasing prisoner and offender numbers, including the G4S contract. We remain committed to dealing with the root causes of crime to ensure offenders are rehabilitated.
“We are dealing with the mess left by Labor in Corrections and dealing with the root causes of crime to reduce re-offending,” said Mr Maley.
The NT Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 13 May.
https://nt.gov.au/