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Following Estimates Committee Hearings today Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy said there has been a decrease in the number of serious incidents reported on public transport.

 

“Following the introduction of extra Transit Security Officers and an increase in their powers, the public and transport staff have been provided with increased safety,” Mr McCarthy said.

 

“The officers have been given stronger powers to use reasonable force and detain people who are engaged in antisocial behaviour on the public bus network.

 

“Since the officers increased from six to eight, the number of serious incidents reported has reduced by thirty-five percent - delivering real results for Territorians.”

 

The Minister this morning told the Parliamentary Estimates Hearing that corrections have seen an increase to services through additional staff.

 

“This new era in correction services provides for increased staffing numbers for the Darwin and Alice Springs Correctional Centres.

 

“To date an additional 21 staff for the Alice Springs Correctional Centre and 30 staff for the Darwin Correctional Centre have completed training.

 

“The establishment of a regional prisoner work camp in the Barkly region focusing on prisoner rehabilitation will see seven correctional services staff employed.

 

“The elders visiting program involving Indigenous elders from remote communities travelling to adult correctional centres to meet with inmates helping to maintain links with community and culture will continue.

 

“We will continue to allocate additional funding to enhance prisoner rehabilitation and education programs within our Correctional system. “

 

Contact: Natasha Fyles 04488 66312