Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Corrections
Media Release CLP delivers first 2026 Youth Booth Camp to tackle the root causes of crime
5 February 2026
First youth boot camp of 2026, providing youth on bail with structure, discipline and accountability to reduce reoffending
A key part of the CLP Government's Reducing Crime Strategy
Programs undertaken while in boot camp, build essential life skills, instilling a sense of responsibility, and guiding youth towards constructive, community-based pathways
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered the first youth boot camp for 2026 in Darwin, providing young people on bail with structure, accountability and practical skills to help steer them away from reoffending.
The Darwin boot camp was the first of nine youth boot camps to be delivered by Balanced Choice across Darwin in 2026 and is a key pillar of the CLP Government's Reducing Crime Strategy. here
The three-day boot camp, held from 27 to 29 January, was focused on physical fitness, wellness and self-discipline.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said youth boot camps were a proactive, community-based approach to tackling youth crime by addressing the drivers of offending early.
"Youth boot camps are about accountability, structure and giving young people the skills they need to make better choices," Mr Maley said.
"This program is designed to tackle the root causes of offending while supporting rehabilitation and reintegration."
Five youths participated in the Darwin camp, engaging in activities including theatre, fitness and positive psychology, with a strong focus on building trust, engagement and values-based thinking.
Mr Maley said programs like these offered a meaningful alternative to detention while maintaining clear expectations around consequences and responsibility.
"By holding young people accountable and building confidence and life skills, we are helping them break the cycle of crime and reconnect positively with their community," he said.
Youth boot camps are delivered Territory-wide, including in Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, in partnership with local organisations, elders and youth justice staff to ensure programs are targeted and culturally responsive.
Success is measured through improvements in learning, wellbeing, family and community interactions and cultural connection, as well as young people's engagement in positive pathways following participation, assessed through staff feedback, case management records and family input.
