UPDATE: Northern Territory Corrections has confirmed that children in detention are being transferred from Alice Springs to Darwin without notifying their parents or guardians, raising serious concerns about the rights of these children. This alarming practice was highlighted during the final day of NT parliamentary sittings this week, as reports surfaced about young people disappearing off Central Australian streets.
Independent MLA Justine Davis confronted Corrections Minister Gerard Maley during a parliamentary session, questioning the government’s policy on transferring youth detainees. Davis stated, “Reports indicate your government has changed a critical policy regarding the transfer of young people from Alice Springs to the Darwin Holtz Youth Detention Centre, specifically that parents no longer need to be notified before a child is moved.”
In response, Minister Maley confirmed that transfers were taking place but denied any change to notification policies. He suggested that parents should be aware of their children’s court processes, saying, “If they did not know about it, maybe it is back to personal responsibility.”
These developments come amid rising concerns voiced by community leaders. Labor’s shadow attorney-general Chansey Paech expressed his outrage, stating he has heard firsthand accounts of children being “ripped from the streets” and sent to Darwin without any warning to their families. “This is not just wrong; it is a direct violation of these families’ rights,” Paech emphasized.
According to a statement from the Department of Corrections, while there is no legal requirement to notify families prior to transfers, significant efforts are made to inform parents or caregivers. However, this has not quelled the outrage, as many believe this lack of communication constitutes a serious breach of trust.
A report from the NT Children’s Commissioner in 2024 highlighted troubling statistics: every child under 14 surveyed in youth custody had interacted with Child Protection, with 94% exposed to domestic violence and 77% facing mental health issues.
Paech condemned the government’s approach as “inexcusable and indefensible,” stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the youth justice system. “No family should ever be left wondering where their child is or how they’re being treated,” he stated.
This urgent situation raises critical questions about the treatment of vulnerable children in detention and the responsibilities of authorities. With ongoing scrutiny from human rights organizations and Indigenous groups, the NT government faces increasing pressure to reform its practices.
As this story develops, the community watches closely, demanding answers and accountability for the well-being of their children. Stakeholders are urged to advocate for systemic changes that prioritize family engagement and protect the rights of young detainees.
