4 May 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing in expanded correctional capacity and rehabilitation, with a $525 million Corrections budget for 2026-27.
Budget 2026-27 commits an additional $250 million to continue delivery of the Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan across the Territory.
The Budget also includes $15 million to progress procurement for new men's and women's correctional facilities and prepare for the future closure of Berrimah Correctional Centre.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to secure the Territory with major investment in modern, fit-for-purpose correctional infrastructure and a $525 million Corrections budget for 2026-27.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the budget builds on ongoing work to address capacity.
"Community safety is our number one priority, and that means ensuring our corrections system has the infrastructure it needs now and into the future," said Mr Maley.
An additional $250 million will drive the next stage of the Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan, which is already delivering expanded capacity and upgraded facilities across Darwin and Alice Springs.
Since late 2024, Stage 1 of the Master Plan has delivered 1,092 beds through new, upgraded and repurposed facilities, improving prison operations and strengthening rehabilitation pathways.
The revised Master Plan represents a 40 per cent increase in scope from its original release, expanding total planned capacity to 1,535 beds and ensuring the corrections system can meet future demand.
With Stage 1 largely complete, the next phase will focus on long-term resilience through work camps and infrastructure upgrades that support rehabilitation, skills development and reintegration.
The revised Master Plan includes $238 million to establish two new prisoner work camps in Darwin and Katherine.
Work in the community will be expanded, with work camps providing life skills training linked to real employment opportunities - turning prisoners into taxpayers. The investment will deliver a 198-bed Katherine Work Camp and a 192-bed Holtze Work Camp, expanding correctional capacity while creating real pathways to rehabilitation, employment and safer communities.
The Budget also commits $15 million to progress procurement for new contemporary men's and women's correctional facilities and prepare for the future closure of Berrimah Correctional Centre.
After a decade of underinvestment by the Labor government, ageing facilities no longer have the capacity to meet the current or future needs of a growing prisoner population.
The new facility will support modern, efficient operations while delivering improved rehabilitation services and culturally appropriate programs that help reduce reoffending and create safer communities.
"We inherited ageing facilities under pressure after years of neglect," said Mr Maley.
"By investing in correctional capacity, transition facilities and work camps, we are creating stronger pathways to employment and reintegration while helping reduce the likelihood of reoffending."
The Budget also continues investment in programs that reduce reoffending and support safer communities, with $1.2 million for Ready to Work programs that help prisoners build practical skills and prepare for employment on release.
It also provides $4.9 million for ongoing Alternative to Custody programs in Alice Springs and Groote Eylandt that provide structured pathways outside detention while maintaining community safety.
