Legislation has passed strengthening community safety with clearer powers and stronger protections for Corrections Officers.
The Youth Justice and Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2026 will deliver targeted legislative reforms that will ensure safer management of young people in custody and during transfers.
These reforms are consistent with the Government’s commitment to delivering a system that is practical, consistent and focused on safety.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has passed the Youth Justice and Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2026, which will deliver targeted legislative reforms to strengthen community safety, improve the operation of the youth justice system and provide clearer legal authority for frontline staff.
The Bill addresses identified operational gaps, establishes clear custody and transfer arrangements, strengthens protections for corrections workers and police exercising functions under the Act, and maintains safeguards for youth.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the reforms were about delivering a safer Territory through practical changes that support frontline workers and strengthen the operation of the youth justice system.
“This Bill provides greater legislative clarity for police and correctional officers carrying out their duties, strengthens lawful custody and transport arrangements, and enhances protections for the frontline personnel who work every day to keep Territorians safe.”
The Bill will establish a protected interview framework, allowing police to engage with young people where they reasonably suspect involvement in, or have knowledge of, an offence. This will also apply where matters relate to a concern of serious public safety, while preserving important protections including the right to silence, access to legal representation and support person requirements.
The reforms also create a legislative framework for Intake and Transfer Facilities, providing a mechanism to temporarily accommodate young people awaiting transfer to a youth detention centre when immediate transport is not reasonably practicable.
The Bill strengthens protections for corrections workers by recognising them as a protected category under assault offences in the Criminal Code, ensuring assaults against corrections workers are dealt with under the same legislative framework that applies to other frontline public safety personnel.
“It is important that our legislation reflects operational realities and supports the frontline workers responsible for keeping Territorians safe,” Minister Maley said.
These reforms support the Government’s commitment to reducing crime, restoring community confidence and delivering greater security for Territorians.
