RANZCP Northern Territory Branch: Health and Justice Advocacy Symposium

The structure of this event will include an initial speaking component followed by an interactive workshop.

Speakers

Dr Dave Chapman, Chair RANZCP NT Branch

Dr Sarah Dorrington, NT Forensic Psychiatrist

Judge Carly Ingles, Head of Alice Springs Youth Court

Dr John Zorbas, President AMA NT

Aim

Our aim to engage and connect with individuals and organisations across the various sectors involved in youth justice, and to workshop tangible actions, and the ongoing direction of collective advocacy to improve outcomes for Territorians.

Background

We are greatly concerned about the health consequences of increasingly punitive amendments to the Youth Justice Act (2005), compounded by the NT’s exceptionally high incarceration rate far exceeding any other Australian jurisdiction. From mid 2024 to present Pr*son numbers have risen to record highs and both correctional centres in the NT are well over capacity. The subsequent overcrowding in unsuitable prisons is not only causing health problems but is fundamentally inhumane.

Join us in advocating for a health-led approach to justice and community safety in the NT. Together, we will explore practical strategies and pathways to strengthen collective advocacy, grounded in evidence and focused on prevention, early intervention, and diversion to treatment and support, not incarceration.

Host or Publisher RANZCP