Youth Justice Bill overview
The NT Government passed the Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 in July.
It brings the biggest changes to youth justice laws since the Youth Justice Act 2005 began.
The Bill aims to make communities safer and the justice system more effective for young people.
Fairness and safety reforms
This is the first step in a full overhaul of youth justice laws.
Urgent reforms have been made now, with more changes coming next year focused on prevention and support.
Young offenders who commit serious or repeated crimes will now face fair and meaningful consequences.
Courts can now use stronger penalties, including imprisonment, when needed.
Support for youth detention staff
The Bill provides detention officers better tools to protect themselves, other detainees and the community.
Modern restraints like waist belts and anti-spit guards are permitted under strict guidelines and procedures.
Staff can use reasonable force inside and outside centres to prevent escape or harm.
Clearer rules and responsibilities
Youth detention policies and procedures now match adult detention processes for consistency across the Department of Corrections.
Staff now have clearer authority and better coordination across the system.
New procedures will support staff in separating young people in detention. They’ll make it easier to tell apart short voluntary breaks (called 'time-outs') from more serious situations that require supervision and review.
More information
Get a printable copy of this information PDF (535.6 KB).
For more information, read the Youth Justice Act 2005.