The CLP Government’s legislation to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 10, and introduce new ram raid, and posting and boasting laws, have been passed in Parliament.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the passing of the laws reaffirmed the Government’s promise to reduce crime, rebuild our economy, and restore the Territory’s unique lifestyle.
The passing of these new laws follows Declan’s Law legislation passing in Parliament on Wednesday night.
LOWERING THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY
The CLP Government said ignoring 10 and 11-year-olds who commit serious crimes was not the answer to turning around their lives, or protecting the wider community.
Since 1 July, there have been more than 104 instances involving youths, aged 10 and 11, in the commission of offences in the Territory.
“By lowering the age of criminal responsibility, we can intervene earlier in a young person’s life and provide them the support they need to turn a new page, and start a better journey of skills training, including in our promised two new youth boot camps in Darwin and Alice Springs,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Under the former Labor government’s approach, it was almost certainly the destiny of these kids to end up in an adult correctional facility.
“The status quo simply can’t continue. Territorians want to feel safe again, and our troubled youths need earlier intervention.”
Mr Maley added: “No one wants to see kids locked up. No one. But when 10 and 11-year-olds commit serious crimes, including violent threats to people’s lives and armed robberies, they must be held accountable.
“Simply dropping them home with no consequences only guarantees the cycle of crime continues,” he said.
“This change is about putting troubled youths on a better path, and making our community safer.
“We make no apologies for delivering the laws Territorians voted for in the August election.”
RAM RAID
Under the new ram raid legislation, police will be able to charge offenders who have stolen a vehicle and used it as a weapon to damage property or gain entry to a building, with this brand-new offence which attracts up to 10 years behind bars.
Some examples of ‘property’ are businesses, homes, police and private vehicles.
Since 1 July, there have been 26 ram raids on commercial premises, and 6 ‘rammings’ of police vehicles.
“We have seen too many businesses targeted by vehicles used as weapons in ram raids and we know the cost on Territorians, both financial and mental, has been too high,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
POSTING AND BOASTING
The new “posting and boasting” offence will see a penalty of up to two years’ jail.
This will apply to any person who promotes a certain crime or criminal activity, such as violent offences, property damage, theft, stealing a motor vehicle, police pursuits and robbery, on social media platforms, including sharing criminal activity online, for the purpose of notoriety.
“This is about drawing a line in the sand about what is acceptable or not, and filming yourself or your mates committing a crime and gloating about it online is not okay,” Mr Maley said.
