Prisoners in Darwin Correctional Centre have threatened staff that a serious riot which occurred last month is “just the start”, with fears it is only a matter of time before another serious incident occurs, a well placed Corrections source has said.

The Corrections source said staff at the facility were concerned another incident could happen at any time, with damage from the May 13 riot affecting some cells and making them easier to break out of.

The revelation comes as the NT Government announced on Friday it had appointed Professor John Paget to undertake an independent review of last month’s riot, which saw more than 20 inmates break out of their cells and set fire to buildings.

The prison source told the NT Independent last month’s incident was “just a trial to see our response” and many prison staff feared a more serious incident could be on the horizon.

“It’s a ticking timebomb, they (prisoners) have said this is just stage one of many stages,” the source said.

“They have said ‘this is just the start, there will be more, we will see how far we can go next time’.

“They want to grab a person, a guard or whoever and who knows what they are going to do then.”

The source said last month’s riot occurred because COVID-19 restrictions saw visitations and education programs cease, causing unrest among some prisoners.

“It put a massive strain on the prison … it was a coordinated attack, one prisoner broke out and distracted officers, allowing others to escape.

“But it could have been so much worse.

“They broke most of the windows in the prisoner accommodation and said ‘come and join us’ and most of those prisoners said ‘no’.”

NT Government to reviewing May riot

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Natasha Fyles said Professor Paget was an Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University, and holds a Masters degree from the University of Sydney Law School and Doctorate in Prison Design.

She said the independent review was one of three investigations into the May incident.

“Professor John Paget comes highly qualified with a lengthy background in correctional services and prison design and operation,” Minister Fyles said.

“What occurred at the Darwin Correctional Facility on 13 May was unacceptable, and although it occurred behind the wire with no risk to the wider community the public expects it to be investigated.

“We will review all recommendations made to us in the report to be tabled by Professor Paget, but until then will be allowing all investigations to run their course.”

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