Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Corrections
Media Release 23 new Trainee Correctional Officers to support safer communities
2 October 2026
23 Trainee Correctional Officers have completed training and commenced frontline duties, strengthening community safety and supporting the safe operation of Territory correctional facilities.
NT Corrections welcomes this new cohort of dedicated officers. Including Jaydyn Hillyer, a 30-year Darwin local and Patariki Hartley who has relocated from New Zealand to follow in the footsteps of correctional officers in his family.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is keeping Territorians safe by growing the frontline correctional workforce, with a further 32 recruits set to begin training in Darwin and Alice Springs next week.
Twenty-three Trainee Correctional Officers (TCOs) will commence frontline duties across the Northern Territory after completing an intensive 11-week training course in Darwin.
The TCOs will strengthen the Territory's corrections workforce and support the safe and secure operation of correctional facilities, while helping prisoners access rehabilitation, education and reintegration opportunities.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said building a strong and capable corrections workforce is critical for community safety.
"Every new Correctional Officer strengthens our frontline and supports our Government's commitment to reducing crime and keeping Territorians safe."
"These 23 officers are entering an important and demanding profession. They will help maintain safe and secure correctional facilities while supporting rehabilitation which reduces the risk of reoffending.
"We are continuing to invest in recruitment and training to build the professional corrections workforce the Territory needs now and into the future."
The officers completed practical, theoretical and scenario-based training to prepare them to safely support, manage and supervise prisoners.
They will continue working towards a Certificate III in Correctional Practice during their first 12 months of operational service.
The TCOs have joined Corrections from the Territory, interstate and overseas, including India, Nepal, New Zealand, the United States and Zimbabwe, bringing experience from sectors including community engagement, finance, logistics, real estate and security.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said the TCOs marching out today have shown they are ready to make a meaningful contribution to both the corrections system and the Northern Territory community.
"Every day, Correctional Officers work in complex and challenging environments, maintaining safety and security while supporting prisoners to address their offending behaviour and prepare for life after release," Commissioner Varley said.
"Today marks the beginning of a career dedicated to community safety, accountability and helping create better outcomes for the people in our care."
Among the TCOs is Darwin local Jaydyn Hillyer, who joined Corrections to give back to the community he grew up in.
"I've been in Darwin for almost 30 years; I grew up here. Now I want to give back to the community and make it safer for my kids," Mr Hillyer said.
"I want to have a positive impact on prisoners, helping with rehabilitation and reintegration into the community."
Another TCO, Patariki Hartley moved from New Zealand to continue his Corrections career and a strong family tradition.
"I was a Corrections Officer back in New Zealand. My sister, my dad and some of my siblings are all corrections officers," Mr Hartley said.
The next Trainee Correctional Officer courses will commence on 5 October, with 32 new recruits beginning their training, 26 in Darwin and 6 in Alice Springs.
