The Northern Territory justice system has reached a breaking point. The National Network condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing mistreatment of prisoners, the forced relocation of women, and the deliberate isolation of children from their families and communities.
Women Relocated to Darwin Prison:
Women incarcerated in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) have been forcibly relocated to Darwin prison without any timeline for their return. ‘This cruel decision has removed these women from their children, support networks, and legal counsel, effectively severing their access to critical resources,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘In Darwin, women face overcrowded and inhumane conditions in a facility originally built to house 80 people but now holding over 100. Women are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Air conditioning frequently fails, and on some days, women are kept outside in oppressive heat with minimal shade. These are not just logistical failings—they are human rights violations,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Planned Move of Children Moved 1500 km from Families:
The Northern Territory government is continuing with their plan to move children currently imprisoned in Mparntwe will be relocated at the end of the year to the new Holtze children’s prison in Darwin. ‘This prison is over 1500 km away, leaving children isolated from their families, parents, country, and kin,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘This decision shows a blatant disregard for the importance of family connections, cultural ties, and the well-being of children. It is yet another way the legal system is operating to destroy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, perpetuating intergenerational trauma, and working to create another Stolen Generation,’ said Tabitha Lean.
Mparntwe Bail Crisis:
The NT government’s failings do not end with prisoners. A new bail crisis is unfolding in Mparntwe as the Chief Judge drastically cuts back on bail application hearings, effectively leaving people languishing in custody over the Christmas period.
Those on remand are being subjected to conditions that amount to torture:
- No natural light or access to fresh air.
- No opportunities for exercise or education.
- No access to phone calls or personal visits.
- Overcrowded cells with lights left on 24/7.
‘These conditions violate basic human rights and international standards, including the UN’s Mandela Rules which prohibit conditions amounting to torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment; and the Bangkok Rules, which prevent abuse, violence, or exploitation within prisons,’ said Tabitha Lean.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: WE DEMAND ACTION
‘The Northern Territory’s punishment system is a national crisis. People are being subjected to degrading and dehumanizing conditions. Children are being ripped from their families. Women are being forced into overcrowded cells and left without basic necessities. Vulnerable people on remand are being denied their legal rights, when are we going to say enough! Said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This is a call to action: it is time for all Australians to stand together and demand change. We cannot stand idly by while people are violated and denied their human and legal rights,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘No more excuses. No more silence. No more injustice,’ said Tabitha Lean.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226
