Royal Commission into youth detention in the Northern Territory

The Human Rights Law Centre welcomed the announcement by the Turnbull Government of a Royal Commission into youth detention in the Northern Territory. The HRLC had expressed extreme disappointment over the government’s lack of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations when initially announcing the inquiry.

Ruth Barson, Director of Legal Advocacy at the HRLC said, “This Royal Commission represents a great opportunity for change and the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, particularly those in the NT, is critical to the impact, credibility and legitimacy of the Royal Commission.”

The HRLC welcomed that the Royal Commission will consider breaches of international human rights standards in addition to breaches of Commonwealth or Territory law. Ms Barson added, “We look forward to engaging with the Commission and continuing to advocate for human rights compliant youth justice systems across Australia.”