Incidents at Holtze Youth Detention Centre
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws have revealed significant incidents at Darwin's Holtze Youth Detention Centre since its opening in November 2024. The records cover the first 12 months of the center's operation.
Nine youths have been hospitalized due to self-harm, and two have been sexually assaulted.
Self-Harm, Assaults, and Disturbances
During the initial 12-month period, incident reports detail 127 detainee-on-detainee assaults classified as "no injury" and 19 classified as "physical injury." Beyond the nine self-harm incidents requiring hospitalization, there were 35 categorized as "non-hospitalization" and 41 verbal threats of self-harm.
The center also experienced seven "major" disturbances, 15 "minor" disturbances, 119 instances of "serious" property damage, four escapes, 19 attempted escapes, and one "hunger strike."
November 2024 Riot and Subsequent Self-Harm Incidents
A week after the center opened, a riot occurred on November 8, 2024, involving six youth detainees, aged 13 to 17. This incident caused approximately $200,000 in damage to seven bedrooms, rendering them inoperable.
Days later, on November 13, a boy initiated a further incident by smashing a program room while armed with a broken chair leg following a family phone call. Staff attempted de-escalation, but the boy began using a broken phone panel to cut his throat, resulting in bleeding. He continued attempts to self-harm and damage property before surrendering. Medical staff treated superficial wounds on his neck, and he was placed on at-risk observation.
Background: From Don Dale to Holtze
The Holtze Youth Detention Centre, a $130 million facility, was established following the closure of the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. Incidents at Don Dale previously led to a 2016 royal commission. As of September 2025, 65 youths were detained at Holtze, with 63 being Indigenous.
Some youths reportedly expressed a desire to return to the former Don Dale facility, citing dissatisfaction with the new center.
One officer reported a boy saying, "This place is shit, what for move us if we can't do anything? Nothing fing works, f this place, take me back to old Donnies."
Official Statements and Concerns
National Children's Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris stated that the data indicates the NT's youth detention system is "seriously flawed" and that the lessons from the 2016 royal commission have not led to sufficient improvements.
National Children's Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris stated that the data indicates the NT's youth detention system is "seriously flawed."
She highlighted that almost 100 percent of children in NT detention centers are Indigenous, emphasizing the need for investment in Aboriginal-controlled organizations to support children and prevent recidivism.
She highlighted that almost 100 percent of children in NT detention centers are Indigenous, describing the current situation as "an absolute national shame."
Corrections Minister Gerard Maley defended the new center as "fit for purpose," citing its provision of health and education services aimed at rehabilitation. He stated the government's commitment to community safety and addressing the behaviors that lead to detention, while also asserting that "any incident of self-harm in a youth detention environment is serious and receives immediate attention."