Assistant Commissioner Custodial Operations (Adult)
Department of Corrections
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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The Northern Territory Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Northern Territory and recognises their continuing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures, their Elders past and present, and to future generations.
Executive Summary
- Senior executive role with territory-wide influence, based in Darwin.
- Lead custodial operations at scale across the Northern Territory’s adult correctional network.
- Drive reform, performance, and community safety outcomes in a complex public-sector environment.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Department of Corrections is seeking an Assistant Commissioner Custodial Operations (ECO3) to provide strategic leadership across the Northern Territory's adult correctional centres, supporting the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in the delivery and future development of effective custodial operations.
This is a senior executive appointment within a complex, high-profile agency, offering the opportunity to influence operational performance, system reform and service delivery outcomes across a geographically dispersed custodial network.
THE ROLE
The Assistant Commissioner Custodial Operations is responsible for leading custodial operations across Darwin, Alice Springs and Berrimah correctional centres, work camps, territory-wide operations and growth projects. The role provides strategic direction aligned to the Correctional Services Act 2014, the Department of Corrections Strategic Plan and Commissioner’s Directions.
Key accountabilities include driving reform (including cultural reform), ensuring secure custody and offender supervision, leading education, rehabilitation and employment pathways, and managing significant staff resources, budgets, systems and continuous improvement through a coordinated “One Corrections” approach.
THE CANDIDATE
You will be a highly capable senior leader with substantial experience in custodial operations, corrections or a comparable regulatory or service delivery environment, and a proven ability to lead complex, 24/7 operational services.
You will demonstrate strong strategic judgement, people leadership and stakeholder management capability, with experience working across government, unions, community organisations and service providers. A well-developed understanding of cultural and social issues impacting Aboriginal people in custody, and the ability to translate this into policy, programs and operational practice, is essential.
LIVING AND WORKING IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Based in Darwin, this role offers a distinctive professional and lifestyle opportunity. The Northern Territory provides the chance to work at senior executive level in an environment where decision-making is close to the issues, lines of accountability are clear, and leaders can see the tangible impact of their work.
Darwin offers a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with a strong sense of community, excellent access to national parks and natural environments, and a culturally rich setting shaped by Aboriginal heritage and a diverse population. For executives seeking both professional challenge and personal quality of life, the Territory offers a compelling alternative to larger, more bureaucratic jurisdictions.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director Search & Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861 / E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
Department of Corrections
The Northern Territory Department of Corrections plays a vital role in supporting safer communities and stronger futures across the Territory. Established in September 2024, the Department brings together adult correctional services and youth justice under one unified organisation, reflecting the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to reducing crime, strengthening communities, and supporting a safe and stable Territory.
The Department delivers a broad range of custodial and community-based services, overseeing correctional centres, youth detention, and community supervision programs. Central to its work is a strong focus on rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, providing people in custody and under supervision with opportunities to develop skills, access education and training, and build pathways towards employment and positive participation in society. Through evidence-based and culturally informed programs, the Department supports individuals to make meaningful change and reduce reoffending.
With a clear mission to keep Territorians safe, the Department is continuing to strengthen its capability, invest in its workforce, and modernise infrastructure and services. As a newly established standalone agency, it offers the opportunity to be part of a contemporary organisation focused on delivering essential services that make a tangible difference to individuals, families, and communities across the Northern Territory.
Learn more about the Department in the Strategic Plan 2024-2028, and the Annual Report 2024-2025
Custodial Operations
Custodial Operations is responsible for the management and operation of the Territory’s custodial correctional facilities. This division plays a central role in ensuring the safe, secure and humane detention of individuals who are remanded in custody or serving custodial sentences.
Custodial Operations has responsibility for three correctional centres located at Holtze, Berrimah and Alice Springs, and two work camps for male prisoners in Datjala (Nhulunbuy) and Barkly (Tennant Creek).
The Datjala Work Camp (DWC) houses Open rated prisoners, while the Barkly Work Camp (BWC) accommodates both Open and Low-rated prisoners The correctional centres in Holtze, Berrimah and Alice Springs accommodate both male and female prisoners on remand or sentenced. Custodial operations support prisoners to attend court appearances, medical visits, cultural events and a range of other activities associated with their wellbeing and rehabilitation, outside of these facilities.
Key responsibilities of Custodial Operations include:
- Safe and Secure Containment - Hold prisoners securely and safely in line with legislation and human rights standards.
- Cultural and Community Engagement - Provide culturally appropriate services and engage with Aboriginal communities, recognising their high representation in custody.
- Facility Management - Operate correctional centres and low-security facilities, maintaining order, discipline, and effective daily operations.
- Facility Security and Emergency Management - Stay prepared for critical incidents, manage high-risk individuals, and ensure safety for staff and prisoners.
- Prisoner Welfare and Rehabilitation - Support health, wellbeing, and rehabilitation through medical care, education, employment, and programs to reduce reoffending.
Mission
To keep Territorians safe by delivering correctional services that promote accountability and rehabilitation, and strengthen pathways to reduced offending.
Our purpose
A safer Territory
We provide safe and secure correctional services for adults and youths in our custody and supervision.
Reduced reoffending
We work with people to address the causes of offending.
Changed lives
We encourage accountability and positive life choices.
Our strategies - four key pillars
Stronger foundations
- Unify the corrections system for better outcomes.
- Deliver infrastructure that meets our needs today, and into the future.
- Partner with government agencies, industries, communities, and organisations to support regional growth.
- Deliver legislative reforms that align with government priorities.
Investment in our people
- Invest in workforce capability and development pathways for employees.
- Deliver workforce planning that considers attraction, satisfaction and retention.
- Effective and accountable leaders with transparent and robust governance.
- Prioritisation of our people’s health, safety and wellbeing.
- Build a culture that encourages high performance, accountability and is outcomes focused.
Break the cycle
- Deliver evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to offenders’ needs.
- Enhance health and therapeutic services for complex offenders.
- Deliver culturally informed programs aimed at improving decision making, skills, education, and employment outcomes.
- Rehabilitation pathways that support economic participation and reduce crime.
Innovation
- Improve performance and productivity using innovative technology and data.
- Streamline policies and procedures that are contemporary and fit for purpose.
- Enhance risk management systems that deliver best practice standards.
- Integrated evaluation and performance measurement for continuous improvement.
Our values
Professional excellence
We get the job done. We embrace learning, innovation, and operational excellence.
Integrity and courage
We do the right thing. We speak up when actions or behaviours don’t align with our values.
Respect and commitment
We are professional. We take pride in our work and build strong relationships by listening and valuing diverse perspectives.
Accountability
We own our actions. We are transparent and responsible.
Role Specification
Provide strategic leadership and direction to a Department of Corrections portfolio, working closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in the delivery of correctional services whilst also supporting the future development of effective operations.
Assistant Commissioners drive reform, including cultural reform, and are expected to lead by example and model departmental values. This role encompasses leadership across Darwin, Alice Springs, Berrimah correctional centres, work camps, territory wide operations and growth projects, focusing on upholding community safety through secure custody, offender supervision, and rehabilitation, fostering a culture rooted in mutual respect and stakeholder engagement.
- 1.In partnership with other Assistant Commissioners, provide strategic direction and leadership to and for an operational service portfolio, in line with the Correctional Services Act 2014, the Department of Corrections Strategic Plan and Commissioner’s Directives.
- 2.Lead a portfolio management team to deliver community safety through secure custody of prisoners, community supervision of offenders, the delivery of education, training and skills development, rehabilitation programs, employment and other activities to reduce reoffending through an integrated ‘one corrections’ approach.
- 3.Lead an integrated team of correctional services staff to deliver outcomes in an environment which builds a culture of mutual respect between staff, and between staff and prisoners or supervised persons, while building working relationships and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders including government, NGOs, communities, elders, unions, industry and service providers to deliver operational outcomes.
- 4.Contribute to the objectives of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and reduce recidivism rates by ensuring the delivery of culturally appropriate programs, employment opportunities, through care planning, post-release planning, and reintegration into community.
- 5.Be accountable for the efficient management of human, physical, technological and financial resources, including undertaking business planning, budget management and other audit and compliance monitoring activities which foster innovation and continuous improvement.
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, preferably at a graduate level, are desirable.
- 1.Success as an innovative and dynamic senior leader in setting and achieving strategic goals and results, driving performance improvement and leading operational service delivery in a correctional services or similar regulatory environment.
- 2.Extensive experience in leading complex project delivery, designing and delivering organisational strategy, with the ability to manage fiscal and human resources across multi-disciplinary organisations, and superior skills in providing briefings to senior executives, ministers and across-government senior stakeholders.
- 3.Highly developed stakeholder and relationship management capabilities with the ability to persuade, influence and negotiate with stakeholders and employees across diverse organisational settings to address issues in the criminal justice system.
- 4.Highly developed judgement and analytical skills and proven ability to understand and navigate the political, social and organisational landscape.
- 5.Demonstrated understanding of government and non-government agencies, support services, community groups, Aboriginal and other organisations interfacing with the criminal justice system, with highly developed knowledge of cultural and social issues that affect Aboriginal people in custody and the ability to apply this knowledge into policy, programs and operations.
Desirable
- 1.Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, preferably at a graduate level.
- 2.Knowledge and understanding of the NT criminal justice framework, in particular the role of correctional services in improving outcomes to reduce recidivism.
- Annual Budget: Direct responsibility for operational budget of $252.6M
- Direct Reports: 6 direct reports, overseeing approx. 850 staff
- Financial delegations: Level 3 - up to $500,000
The total remuneration package range is $269,482.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive executive remuneration package, the Northern Territory Public Sector offers a range of benefits designed to support attraction, relocation and work–life balance. Employment benefits are negotiable and subject to approval, in line with executive contract arrangements and individual circumstances.
- Reasonable relocation assistance to take up the role, including relocation of goods and chattels and travel to Darwin for yourself and family.
- Five weeks’ paid recreation leave per year, with options for half‑pay and purchased additional leave.
- Three weeks’ personal/carer’s leave per year, accruing annually.
- Employer superannuation contributions as part of the Total Remuneration Package, with salary‑sacrifice options available.
- Executive vehicle option under standard Executive Contract Officer arrangements (officer election and included as part of remuneration package).
- Access to NTPS executive leadership development and coaching programs to support ongoing professional growth.
Service Location: Darwin, NT
Classification: ECO3
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a criminal history check confirmed by a fingerprint and name check and an internal DoC Integrity Check prior to confirmation of employment. A positive criminal history will not necessarily exclude an applicant from this position.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 13 March 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5354
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)417 882 900
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A 2-page pitch addressing the Selection Criteria;
- 3.A one-page summary about you;
- 4.Copies of your tertiary qualifications; and
- 5.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director Search & Recruitment
M: +61 (0)431 293 861 / E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN DARWIN
Darwin offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Darwin offers a lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere in Australia, blending rewarding work with a relaxed, tropical way of life. As the capital of the Northern Territory, the city is home to major public services, government agencies and organisations that support communities across the Top End. Living and working in Darwin means being part of work that genuinely matters, while still enjoying a pace of life that leaves room to switch off and enjoy time outside of work.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
One of Darwin’s greatest strengths is how straightforward everyday life can feel. Commute times are short, so there’s less time spent in traffic and more time to enjoy where you live. The city offers all the essentials you’d expect—good schools, modern healthcare, quality dining and strong sporting and recreation facilities—without the congestion and constant pressure of larger capital cities. The community is friendly and inclusive, and many people find it easy to settle in, make connections and feel at home.
Crocodile feeding on the Adelaide River
Life in Darwin naturally revolves around the outdoors. With warm weather year-round and stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, it’s easy to make the most of your free time. Fishing, boating and sailing are part of everyday life, while the waterfront precinct provides safe swimming, relaxed dining and welcoming social spaces. During the dry season, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market becomes a weekly highlight, with international street food, live music and a distinctly local atmosphere.
Darwin is also the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic natural landscapes. Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks are only a short drive away, offering waterfalls, swimming holes, bushwalking and unforgettable scenery. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip, exploring national parks, or simply watching the sun set by the water, Darwin offers a lifestyle shaped by space, connection and easy access to extraordinary natural beauty.
Kakadu National Park
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.