Aboriginal groups have slammed plans for a new prison in the Northern Territory.

The recent youth detention royal commission explicitly stated that the NT’s new youth detention centre should not be rebuilt next to an adult jail.

Despite this, the NT Government announced this week that the Don Dale replacement would be located right beside the existing Holtze prison.

Delegates at an Aboriginal health and legal conference this week passed a unanimous motion condemning the decision and calling for the Federal Government to intervene.

Among the signatories was barrister Tony McAvoy SC, who acted as counsel assisting on the youth detention royal commission.

“To say that people were distressed and astounded by that is putting it mildly,” Mr McAvoy said.

Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the Northern Territory (APONT), which represents a range of health services and land councils, accused the Northern Territory Government of retreating from the recommendations of the royal commission.

“The message this decision sends to youth detainees is chillingly clear: you can look forward to a future path into the adult prison system,” APONT spokesperson John Paterson said.

“It's becoming clear that the Government isn't interested in genuine reform and certainly isn't interested in consulting or engaging with us.”

Law Council of Australia president Arthur Moses described the decision as “a travesty for our children in the Northern Territory”.

“Those involved or entrusted with law reform, policy and decision making in relation to youth justice should not be repeating the mistakes of the past,” he said.

The Government says the Holtze location was the best option it had.

Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield claims the $60-million ‘cottage-style’ facility will be purpose-built with rehabilitative and therapeutic design principles.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Selena Uibo did not voice any concerns about the location.

“It's not necessarily about the site, it's about the delivery of services,” she said.

“We know that our youth justice system was broken, there's been huge measures and steps put in place to make sure we have the right support for young people and their families, making sure they have the right wrap-around services and alternatives to detention.

“Where that is not possible, [we're] making sure that the consequences for young people are followed through is a big thing for safe communities.”