The Northern Territory Government’s plan to relocate children and young people in custody from Alice Springs to Darwin is cruel, racially motivated, and completely disregards the well-being of our most vulnerable children.
‘This decision represents a gross violation of children’s rights and risks creating another Stolen Generation,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Forcibly removing children from their families, communities, and cultural connections will cause irreparable harm. These decisions are not made in the best interests of children but are instead part of a broader punitive agenda targeting Aboriginal children, who make up 95% of the NT’s youth prison population,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘This is a continuation of policies that criminalise, institutionalise and exile Aboriginal children, and perpetuate intergenerational trauma and harm, exposing them to violence that will last a whole lifetime,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
A Stolen Generation in the Making
The National Network echo Stolen Generations survivor William Roy Tilmouth’s warning that forcibly relocating children is a repeat of historic injustices. ‘Forced removal of children from their Country, community, and language cuts them off from the essential support systems they need to grow into healthy, happy and productive adults. The lifelong impacts of this separation will echo for generations, as these children face further marginalisation and disconnection from their identity,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Failing Young People and Their Communities
‘The NT Government is condemning children to environments that will harden them rather than heal them. This is not justice—it is cruelty,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The fact that families of these incarcerated children will not be able to visit due to distance is another major issue for the wellbeing of these children,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘The government has indicated that they will not provide any financial assistance for families of incarcerated children to travel to Darwin. This will further entrench the isolation these children will face,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Debbie and I have both been to prison, and we can say with 100% certainty that virtual visits are no substitute for the emotional and cultural connection of being with loved ones. This disregard for family bonds is a betrayal of the government’s duty to care for its youngest citizens,’ said Tabitha Lean.
A Call for Action
The National Network stand in solidarity with the community and Elders of Central Australia in opposing this disastrous policy.
We demand:
- An immediate halt to plans to relocate children to Darwin.
- A moratorium on all new prison builds, including the conversion of the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre into a women’s prison.
- Investment in community-based, culturally safe programs that keep children in their communities, classrooms, and homes.
‘This government must prioritise community-based programs, not punishment and separation. The funds allocated for expanding prisons should instead be directed toward supporting children and their families, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for a brighter future,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The reign of terror on our children and young people must end now. The NT Government’s actions are not only out of touch but dangerously counterproductive, further destabilising communities while deepening the systemic injustice faced by Aboriginal children and youth,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘We refuse to stand by as another generation is stolen. Our children are our future, and it’s time the government starts acting like it,’ said Tabitha Lean.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226
