2015-16

INTRODUCTION
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
BY THE COMMISSIONER
I am proud to present the Northern Territory
Department of Correctional Services (NTDCS)
Annual Report for 2015-16 which highlights our
progress and achievements against the Strategic
Intent 2013-2016.
Since stepping into the role of Commissioner
in November 2015, I have been impressed by
the professionalism and dedication of the staff
that often carry out their duties in difficult and
challenging environments.
There is a strong sense of pride and commitment
in this agency which sets a strong foundation
for the future of Correctional Services in the
Northern Territory.
Some significant achievements were made in
2015-16 including the opening of the Early
Intervention Youth Boot Camp, the launch of
our innovative Indigenous Language Resources,
commencement of the COMMIT program and
hosting of the national Corrective Services
Ministers Conference in Darwin.
Within the Financial Reports, it is evident that there have been some challenges in meeting the
Department’s budget. In 2015-16, the Department had an income of $226 million; a $44 million
increase compared to 2014-15, predominately due to an increase in funding for the Darwin
Correctional Centre, the Darwin Local Court and the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. That said,
the Department’s end of year operating deficit of $23 million, which was largely due to depreciation
and amortisation and lease costs of the Darwin Correctional Centre, highlights a need for a stronger
reporting and accountability framework which will commence in 2016-17.
I am pleased to report that during 2015-16, our staff retention rate remained high at 93%, which
is an increase from the previous year. Work undertaken in response to the results from the People
Matter Survey has no doubt contributed to the wellbeing of our employees and the workplace.
Addressing the rate of reoffending is and will remain a key priority for NTDCS. In 2015-16, the daily
average number of prisoners was 1,664, an increase of 65 from the previous year, with the daily
average number of detainees at 49. Initiatives, such as the Sentenced to a Job program and prisoner
education activities, have shown good results for targeting reoffending and further opportunities for
programs and services will continue to be explored in consultation with our stakeholders.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
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