The Northern Territory government is contemplating transforming the notorious Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, infamous for its past treatment of young detainees, into an adult prison. Plans to repurpose the facility come as the current status as a youth justice institution is scheduled to be phased out once a new therapeutic center in Holtze is operational.
While initial intentions were to demolish the Don Dale facility in compliance with the recommendations from the 2017 Royal Commission, recent considerations have emerged to potentially repurpose the upgraded existing facility. Despite previous statements indicating the demolition of "Don Dale," it has come to light that the focus was on an old, adjacent structure, and now attention is on exploring the possibility of using the more modern Don Dale for a different purpose, such as converting it into a women's prison.
The proposed repurposing has sparked mixed reactions, with some advocating for the complete closure and demolition of Don Dale, emphasizing the historical mistreatment of children within its walls. Calls for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process have been raised by groups like Close Don Dale and legal professionals, who are critical of the government's handling of the situation. Concerns about the overall state of the Northern Territory's justice system have been highlighted, with criticisms of overcrowding in prisons and a lack of comprehensive reform to address systemic issues.