Leading mental health and medical experts gathered with lawyers, Aboriginal -controlled, and community organisations in Alice Springs last night for the largest Health and Justice Advocacy Symposium in the Northern Territory. 

Hosted by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Northern Territory (NT) Branch, the event brought together cross-sector advocates and leaders to build a coordinated plan of action to improve community safety through mental health and youth justice reform. 

“Psychiatrists in the Northern Territory, particularly those working within prisons and youth detention centres, are raising urgent concerns about the rising incarceration rates in the NT,” said Dr Sarah Dorrington, forensic psychiatrist and RANZCP NT Branch representative. 

We're seeing a lot of adults and young people in custody with serious mental illness and physical and intellectual disability.” 

Evidence shows youth incarceration not only fails to deter crime but can actually increase reoffending rates. 

“In contrast, community-based interventions and mental health justice diversion programs have proven effective in tackling the underlying drivers of youth crime and delivering better outcomes for young people and their communities, at a fraction of the cost,” Dr Dorrington said. 

The evening kicked off with powerful speeches from health and justice leaders including psychiatrists, youth court representatives, and Aboriginal health advocates, followed by a cross-sector workshop focused on developing tangible, collaborative solutions to reduce youth crime in the Northern Territory. 

Attendees shared a clear vision: to improve community safety by addressing the root causes of offending, such as trauma, poverty, homelessness, and mental illness, rather than relying on incarceration. 

“We all agreed it’s time to stop crime before it starts, ” Dr Dorrington said. 

“That means taking proven, community-led solutions to Territory and Federal governments, investing in early intervention, better mental health support, and programs that actually work, especially for First Nations kids and families that are disproportionately affected and harmed.” 

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org   

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.  

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.  

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.