The newly elected CLP Government is delivering on its promise to keep Territorians safe with its ‘Reducing Crime’ package being brought into the first sittings of the new Parliament, which start tomorrow.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government would bring a swag of crime-reducing legislation to the first sittings after Territorians made it clear at the election that crime was their number one concern.
“The CLP promised we would move swiftly to pass a series of laws relating to bail, public drinking, assaults on workers, ram raids and knife crime in the first sittings of parliament, and we are ready,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“Tuesday marks a turning point for the Northern Territory. Territorians have given us a very clear job to do, and we are getting it done.
“Turning around the crime crisis Labor created will take time, but we are already taking the action needed, as we promised we would. We make no apologies for our swift and decisive action.”
Police need better powers to keep Territorians safe, and the CLP government will deliver this via our suite of community safety reforms over the next fortnight:
Declan’s Law on bail reform and expanded police knife ‘wanding’ powers;New ram raid and posting and boasting laws;Minimum mandatory sentencing for assaults on workers;Nuisance public drinking;Lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10.
Leader of Government Business Steve Edgington said the CLP Government had a clear mandate from Territorians to deliver these reforms.
“Tomorrow, the CLP Government will introduce ‘Reducing Crime’ urgent amendments for five pieces of legislation,” said Mr Edgington.
“On Wednesday, we will commence debating the Declan’s Law legislation which will be introduced with Declan Laverty’s mother, Samara, watching on in Parliament.”
If the proposed Bills pass, the following pieces of legislation will be amended:
Sentencing Amendment Bill 2024 – Mandatory Sentences for Assaults on WorkersBail Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 – Declan’s Law (Bail)Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2024 – Lowering the Age of Criminal Responsibility, Ram Raids, and Post and Boast.Police Administration Amendment Bill 2024 – Declan’s Law (Wanding)Liquor Legislation Further Amendment Bill 2024 – Public Drinking Offence (and inclusion of interim Alcohol Protected Areas in restricted areas subject to infringements).
