The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered another major milestone in restoring law and order, with the completion of a new dedicated women's facility at the Darwin Correctional Precinct under the Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan.
For the first time, female prisoners in the Northern Territory will be housed in a women's only facility, separate from the men's prison, improving safety and security inside the system.
Corrections Minister Gerard Maley said the completion of Sector 11 showed the CLP Government was getting on with the job Labor failed to do for years.
"This is about getting the basics right, making sure there is a bed for every person ordered into custody and creating a corrections system that supports rehabilitation and reduce crime," Mr Maley said.
"The CLP Government is fixing years of neglect by delivering improved infrastructure that strengthens safety inside our prisons and gives women a real chance to turn their lives around."
From Monday 19 January, low-security female prisoners will begin moving into the new 88-bed facility in Sector 11. Women with higher security classifications will continue to be housed in the existing women's sector at the Darwin Correctional Centre on a short-term basis, pending completion of the new secure accommodation.
Women housed in Sector 11 will have access to education programs, training and work-ready pathways, including the Paid Employment Program (PEP) and Volunteer Employment Program (VEP) within a dedicated women's environment.
"If we are serious about community safety, we must tackle the root causes of crime while offenders are in custody," Mr Maley said.
A new classroom demountable is also scheduled for installation in March to support onsite program delivery.
Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Kym McKay said the new sector would allow tailored programs to be delivered in an environment free from the male prisoners influence inside the designated centre repurposed specifically for women in custody.
"Sector 11 enables us to better match low and open security female prisoners with programs that support rehabilitation and reintegration, while maintaining appropriate classification and security arrangements," Mr McKay said.
The completion of the Darwin women's facility follows significant investment by the CLP Government to fix a corrections system that was not fit for purpose and ensure capacity keeps pace with demand.
Mr Maley said work was also progressing on a dedicated women's prison in Alice Springs, with inmates expected to begin transitioning to that facility in the first quarter of 2026.
"We are delivering a pipeline of corrections infrastructure across the Territory, including planning for a 200-bed work camp at Holtze and up to 198 beds at the CDU Katherine Rural campus, all focused on skills, training and work experience," Mr Maley said.
"These projects are about accountability, rehabilitation and safer communities. Reducing reoffending means fewer victims, stronger communities and a safer Territory."
As at 8 January 2026, there were 174 women in custody across the Northern Territory, with 114 in Darwin and 60 in Alice Springs.
