The New South Wales Government has introduced security upgrades, expanded specialist response teams and begun infrastructure improvements across the state’s Youth Justice Centres. The measures are intended to protect staff, reduce contraband entering facilities and create a safer environment for young people in custody. The changes form part of a broader A$138 million investment in staffing, infrastructure and rehabilitation programs designed to improve supervision, strengthen support services and help young people move away from reoffending.
According to a ministerial announcement from the NSW Government, additional CCTV cameras and X‑ray body scanners have been installed at all six Youth Justice Centres across the state. Staff have also received expanded security training as part of efforts to strengthen safety and incident management within the facilities.
Security upgrades aim to prevent contraband and reduce incidents
During the past 12 months, staff at Youth Justice Centres reported more than 230 incidents where prohibited items were detected and removed. These included homemade knives, mobile phones, lighters, vapes and cigarettes.
The upgrades are intended to strengthen monitoring and detection capabilities, complementing wider public-sector efforts to adopt technology to improve safety and operational awareness. Similar approaches are being explored in other Australian government initiatives, such as the use of real-time sensor technology to improve heavy vehicle safety on transport networks.
Incident Response Teams expanded to all centres
The government has expanded highly trained Incident Response Teams so they are now available at all six Youth Justice Centres. Previously, these teams were deployed at only two locations.
An additional 70 officers have joined the teams, which are responsible for de-escalating potential incidents and supporting frontline staff in responding quickly when risks arise. The initiative aims to improve staff safety while maintaining stable conditions within the centres.
“Young people who receive a custodial sentence and enter a Youth Justice facility as a consequence of their actions need an environment that is both safer and more secure for themselves and for staff.” — Jihad Dib, Minister for Youth Justice, NSW Government
Mr Dib noted that most young people held in detention are on remand, meaning population numbers can fluctuate significantly from day to day.
“These new Incident Response Teams and enhanced security mean we are better prepared to quickly de-escalate and respond to incidents and prevent contraband from entering facilities.” — Jihad Dib, Minister for Youth Justice, NSW Government
Infrastructure upgrades to expand capacity and support programmes
The A$138 million investment will also fund infrastructure upgrades across several centres, including the addition of 85 beds to the youth justice system. The works are intended to provide more specialised accommodation and improved environments for rehabilitation programmes.
At the Cobham Youth Justice Centre in Western Sydney and the Frank Baxter Centre on the Central Coast, accommodation units are being refurbished and additional specialised units constructed for young people requiring higher levels of support and supervision. Refurbishment works are also underway at the Orana Youth Justice Centre in Dubbo and the Reiby Youth Justice Centre in Airds.
Meanwhile, construction at the Acmena Youth Justice Centre in Grafton will deliver a new building for the Justice Health Clinic, including facilities designed to support group-based programmes and services.
The investment represents the largest single funding boost to Youth Justice custodial services in decades and complements an earlier A$124.6 million commitment to youth crime prevention and diversion programmes.
Focus on rehabilitation and community safety
Officials say the improvements are designed not only to enhance security but also to support rehabilitation outcomes. The centres provide access to health services, education, skills training and mentoring programmes intended to help young people develop pathways away from offending.
“Providing enhanced support and improved security at our Youth Justice centres is creating a safer, more positive environment for young people and for our staff.” — Michael Tidball, Secretary, Department of Communities and Justice
Mr Tidball added that improved facilities and resources help staff deliver education, health and training support more effectively while maintaining a secure workplace.
“The work that has been done, and that is now being undertaken, will help young people access a range of supports from health, education and skills training in a supportive, safe and focused way.” — Michael Tidball, Secretary, Department of Communities and Justice
The broader objective is to improve stability within the facilities while supporting young people to reconnect with families and communities, gain practical skills and reduce the likelihood of future contact with the criminal justice system.
