INTERVIEW: North Aboriginal Justice Agency CEO accuses NT government of long term detention in watchhouses

The Northern Territory justice system is under fresh scrutiny amid allegations people are being held in overcrowded cells for long periods of time without adequate healthcare in a Darwin correctional facility. A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections has said in a statement that the Darwin Transitional Custody Centre accommodates prisoners for a maximum of four weeks. They said prisoners undergo intake and medical screening to ensure they don't have any serious health concerns and are well suited to the environment. The spokesperson also said prisoners do have access to phones and can contact family. But this week, the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) accused the government of failing to fully address the issue, saying parts of the Darwin City Watchhouse had been renamed and transferred to the control of the corrections department – while conditions continue to resemble a watchhouse. NAAJA CEO Ben Grimes is being interviewed here by Tee Mitchell.

North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) CEO, Ben Grimes, is accusing the NT government of allowing people to be detained long-term in police watchhouses. Credit: Supplied/Ben Grimes

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[[For culturally appropriate Indigenous support call 13 YARN.. a 24 hour national telephone helpline on 13 92 76 which provides support across a range of issues including mental health. https://www.13yarn.org.au/]]