The CLP’s recent announcement of its plan for the 2024 election on May 2, 2024, featuring a range of measures to address crime and rehabilitation in the Northern Territory, might seem comprehensive at first glance. However, when analysed through the lens of a Local Born Territorian using security, economic, theories and the principles of effective governance, these policies reveal significant flaws.
1. Two New Purpose-Built Women’s Prisons in Alice Springs and Darwin
Building more prisons is a reactive measure rather than a proactive solution to crime. However, with several decades of decadent parasitic agencies and taxpayer funded NGOs providing no alternatives and a complete failure to address the root causes of crime rather than merely expanding the capacity to incarcerate, it has become abundantly clear that these prisons need to be built, as those in use are not large enough or effectively fit for purpose. Increasing the number of prisons often leads to a focus on incarceration rather than rehabilitation. The argument from local NGO's and do-gooders would be to instead, throw taxpayer resources directed towards programs that prevent crime, such as early intervention initiatives and community-based support systems. The problem is that everyone in those bureaucratic departments has failed for over 30 years, and the NGOs have no intention in fixing the problem with many of those employed related to or parents of the very "criminal offenders" that continue to terorise the community.
2. $10 Million for Two New Adult Prisoner Work Camps
While work camps might appear to provide valuable skills and reduce recidivism, their effectiveness is often limited without a robust framework that ensures meaningful skill development and post-release support. It could be argued that a comprehensive approach that includes education, vocational training, and psychological support is needed to truly rehabilitate offenders. Simply funding work camps without addressing these critical components may lead to temporary solutions rather than lasting change. However, given that there is a 6 month wait for a credible psychologist and that most of them cost $220 plus an hour, there is far more credible evidence that joining a sports team or joining a gym a far more effective (if you go). Adult educator in the NT as evidenced by the reputation of CDU and its associated joint ventures doesn't give much credibility to education either. It would probably be far more effective to ask the federal government for local tax concessions to improve employment opportunities.
3. A New Work in the Community Home Detention Program
Home detention can be an effective alternative to incarceration, but its success depends on stringent monitoring and support systems. We learnt several times in the last decade, that it doesn't exist in the NT. One need only look at our most prominent mass murderer and the lack of monitoring involved to see that doesn't work. The broken windows theory suggests that minor infractions, if left unchecked, lead to more serious crimes. Therefore, a home detention program must include rigorous supervision and a strong support network to ensure compliance and reintegration into the community. There is no funding or political will to pay for this type of supervision so although criminals behind bars are not free, at least they are safe, and criminals behind bars can not harm the public.
4. $5 Million Sentenced to a Skill Program
Investing in skills training for prisoners is commendable, but the allocated funds must be used effectively to ensure that the training provided is relevant and comprehensive. Contemporary research highlights the need for practical and applicable skills that increase employability and reduce recidivism. The program should be regularly evaluated to ensure it meets these goals and adapts to the changing job market. The current job market has plenty of need for labourers and cleaners, the problem is that these industries have low pay and this is not attractive to most of those who are criminals. Again, instead of rewarding the criminal, rewarding those who are predominantly the victims of crime is a far more credible alternative. Tax breaks, or tax concessions are far more effective and evidence based.
5. Compulsory Alcohol, Drug, and Behavioural Change Rehabilitation for Related Offences for Sentences More Than Three Months
Compulsory rehabilitation programs have no evidence of being beneficial, they must be designed to address individual needs and circumstances. The government is like a big stick and its hits every industry the same way. This is the same for bureaucratic funded agencies. Every attempt to impose these "mandated" or "compulsory" programs has very little evidence of effectiveness and high levels of recidivism. Why? Because involuntary action is a punishment, not a reward. The most prominent specialists in this area all emphasize the importance of tailored interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Programs should be evidence-based and include continuous assessment to ensure they are effective in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour. The reality is, we not only can't afford the type of care required, the moment it is buracreatized it fails. PS didn't work last time, just increased the in custody suicide rate, so maybe you should stop asking health bureaucrats who have a terrible record of killing Territorians for advice.
6. Creation of a Standalone Corrections Agency, Including Youth Justice
Establishing a standalone corrections agency could streamline operations and improve the focus on corrections and rehabilitation. My own insights, however, opine that in order to prevent bureaucratic inefficiencies, such structural changes must go hand in hand with a clear vision and accountability measures. The agency should prioritise evidence-based practices and regular evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. The chances of that happening with the current life long bureaucrats in both parties is extremely low. So the best alternative would be to take it away from Territory families that are far more harmful than effective and give it back to Justice.
7. Boost Sentenced to a Job Program
While boosting employment programs for prisoners is positive, the success of these initiatives depends on the quality of job placements and ongoing support. The research indicates that stable employment is crucial for reducing recidivism. Therefore, partnerships with reputable employers and post-release support are essential components that must be included to make this program effective. The problem is often that NGOs and non-profits are provided funding, which removes accountability. These taxpayer funded entities often reward bad behaviour and fail to deliver on their promises, and when the government funding stops, the offenders go back to their original deeds. Private employment alternatives are a must. Again have you thought about a regional tax incentive.
8. Compulsory Community Service for Youth Offenders
Community service can be an effective tool for rehabilitation if it is meaningful and accompanied by mentoring and support. Expert theories on juvenile delinquency suggest that positive role models and structured activities are crucial for youth rehabilitation. The program should focus on integrating youth into the community and providing opportunities for personal development. Again, these programs must be either volunteer based or based on pay-for-result. The moment these programs become taxpayer dependent they actually breed the type of parasitic offender most Territorians are terrorised by. Personally, I believe it should be an alternative, not compulsory as there is little evidence of mandatory impositions working.
9. Two Youth Boot Camps Located in Darwin and Alice Springs
Boot camps have a mixed track record, with studies showing limited long-term effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Historical evidence emphasises the need for programs that build character, provide education, and foster personal responsibility. Boot camps should be carefully designed to include these elements and evaluated for their long-term impact on participants. The reality is that these boot camps often treat the children better and provide greater opportunity than they get at home in essence rewarding bad behavior. Their local failure are well known and the criminal records provide evidence of their failure. Yet everyone has a great "novel" idea on effective boot camps.
10. A Commitment That All Future Prisons Will Be Built at Holtze
Centralising future prison construction at Holtze may streamline operations but does little to address the broader issues of crime and rehabilitation. The othersides approach would advocate for a more holistic strategy that includes community-based alternatives, prevention programs, and support systems to reduce the need for incarceration in the first place. That's what they have been doing for over 30 years and have failed dramatically.
The reality is that Mega-prisons work and the further they are from the community at large the better… have you thought about Tennant Creek? Just a thought.
While the CLP’s plan includes some potentially positive initiatives, it largely reflects a reactive approach to crime rather than a proactive, comprehensive strategy. By focusing on incarceration and punitive measures, the plan may be said to overlook the critical importance of prevention, rehabilitation, and community support, as emphasised by effective criminological principles. Effective crime policy should aim to address the root causes of criminal behaviour, provide meaningful rehabilitation, and support reintegration into society.
I would personally give their proposed commitment on Crime a C +. From the author.
The opinions and statements are those of Sam Wilks and do not necessarily represent whom Sam Consults or contracts to. Sam Wilks is a skilled and experienced Security Consultant with almost 3 decades of expertise in the fields of Real estate, Security, and the hospitality/gaming industry. His knowledge and practical experience have made him a valuable asset to many organizations looking to enhance their security measures and provide a safe and secure environment for their clients and staff.
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