ACT government lifts the lid on the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre

Pockets emptied and phones stashed at reception, a group of journalists are welcomed inside for the first time since allegations of abuse were revealed in July.

We are ushered through to security, where each member of the tour hops on to a wooden box, arms raised, for the ritual waving of the metal detector.

Herding us on the tour are Tina Brendas, Bimberi's new senior manager, and Dr Mark Collis, the government's executive director of youth services.

Stepping through security and into the courtyard, there is little to suggest this is home to some of the territory's most troubled and volatile young offenders.

Colourful murals adorn the walls, a children's playground sits within a spacious visitors' centre and there is plenty of room for wholesome pursuits such as gardening and sport.

But look closer and there are some telltale signs - electrified fences on the roof of each building and the occasional burly guard among them.

Whether by coincidence or design, the centre's 18 detainees are all busied with schoolwork or otherwise off limits as we tour the facility.

But that does not stop some of them playing for the camera when the chance presents.

One detainee flashes his bare bottom through a window as Dr Collis helpfully points out features of the Bimberi complex, such as the classrooms and the health services building.

"They treat us like shit here", another detainee shouts later - seemingly delighted at the prospect of causing our minders some minor embarrassment.

Other detainees peer through their windows, obviously interested in the procession of cameras and notebooks outside.

"Be careful," we are warned, a reminder that no images are allowed that could identify one of Bimberi's wards.

We are shown the indoor swimming pool before moving through to the weights room and basketball court.

"It's better than Tuggeranong stadium in here," a photographer quips as a youth worker explains the detainees' exercise regime.

Outside on the sports oval - home to a number of violent incidents in the past - the most threatening thing is a nest of swooping plovers.

The visit leaves no doubt that Bimberi is doing all it can to live up to its billing as one of the best youth detention centres in Australia.

Clearly, the ACT government is keen to move from recent revelations of violence and mistreatment.

And with the ACT Human Rights Commission soon to complete its own investigation into abuse at the centre, staff will be hoping such allegations remain in the past.