Record prison guard hiring in crime-troubled territory

A crime-troubled territory is on track to recruit more than 200 prison guards within the space of a year for its overcrowded jail system.

Northern Territory Corrections Minister Gerard Maley on Friday welcomed 32 trainee officers, saying 163 officers had been recruited since July 2024 and a further 39 are due to start by the end of June.

The recruitment of 202 personnel marks the largest single workforce expansion in the territory's corrections history and includes experienced officers from other jurisdictions, he said.

"Every new recruit is an investment in community safety and a key part of our plan to reduce crime, rebuild the economy, and restore our lifestyle."

But the Country Liberal Party government's big spending on law and order, including half a billion dollars on the prison system, has angered the Labor opposition and advocacy groups.

They want to see less spending on prisons and more on crime prevention and rehabilitation, saying that's the better way to make communities safer.

Since coming to power in 2024 the NT government has provided more than 500 extra prison beds.

Tougher bail laws introduced in May mean even more beds will be needed.

Mr Maley said further prison officer intakes are scheduled throughout 2025 in both Darwin and Alice Springs.

"We're recruiting faster, smarter, and more strategically to respond to rising demand and community expectations," he said.

"Our officers are managing complex and challenging custodial environments while also supporting rehabilitation, education, and reintegration."