The Country Liberal Party has committed to backing a $5 million 'youth boot camp' in Alice Springs should they win government in August.
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"The boot camp will serve as an alternative sentencing option for courts dealing with youths who commit offences," Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said.
"Youth crime, especially in places like Alice Springs is out of control.
"It makes sense to have a pathway for youths who are on the wrong track to acquire new skills and set them on a positive path to adulthood, rather than detention," she said.
The 'Sentenced to a Skill' boot camp for Alice Springs would incorporate secure residential facilities with Vocational Education and Training.
The Country Liberal Party indicated it would also feature a strong emphasis upon family support and post-release pathways.
CLP candidate for Araluen Damien Ryan says the program will give the court more options in dealing with offending youth.
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"The rate of youths in detention in the Northern Territory is more than three times the national average," he said.
"It's important that worthwhile pathways are offered to youths, to get a chance to improve themselves and for courts to have flexibility," Mr Ryan said.
The party claims boot camps which incorporate skills training and work experience reduce re-offending by roughly a third.
CLP candidate for Namatjira Bill Yan says the current Labor Government's approach to youth crime hasn't worked, and projects such as this are required to effect genuine change.
"The boot camp model attempts to create a solution to longer term issues for youths who find themselves on the wrong track," he said.
"The Gunner Government's approach to youth crime has been ineffective and slow.
"We need a new approach, and this model of boot camp has proven to be effective," Mr Yan said.
Michael Gunner's Labor Party remains favourite to maintain office when Territorians go back to the polls this August.
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