Latest news with #YouthJusticeAct
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
'Come out and call me racist': NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro blasts ‘placard-waving activists' fighting her crime crackdown, flags more youth justice changes
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has slammed 'placard-waving activists' opposed to her government's crime crackdown as she flagged further changes to youth justice laws. The NT Government will urgently pass changes to the Youth Justice Act this week following the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday night. The boy remains in a serious condition in Royal Darwin Hospital while police have charged another 15-year-old boy with recklessly endangering life and possessing a weapon. There has been widespread criticism of the CLP Government's tough approach to crime, including from the NT Children's Commissioner and the Territory's four biggest land councils. They have argued for an 'evidence-based' approach to addressing crime, while the Northern Land Council accused the government of implementing racist policy. But Mrs Finocchiaro said the incident was 'not normal' and would not be accepted by her government. 'The Children's Commissioner can come out and say things like 'everyone should be safe but', and the Land Councils can come out and call me racist and whatever else they want to carry on about,' she told Mix FM radio. 'At the end of the day I'm standing here as the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory because everyday Territorians put me here, and they gave me an important job to do and I can tell you, we're doing that job. 'The noisy people and the apologists and the activists, they can pack up their placards and go home. We're not listening to you. 'We're listening to people who want to be safe, we're listening to our police, and we're seeing a better future for the Territory, and if your evidence-based approach worked, we wouldn't be talking about this right now because I tell you what, for a decade I sat in parliament and listened to Labor bang on about evidence-based approach and where has it got us, in the worst possible position that we've ever been in before.' The legislative changes will roll back many of the policies implemented following the 2017 Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children. It will remove the requirement for detention to be a last resort for children, make the completion of diversion programs compulsory and return the use of spit hoods to youth detention facilities. In a joint statement issued last week, the Northern, Central, Anindilyakwa and Tiwi land councils called on the Federal Government to intervene over the NT Government's failure to address shocking rates of Aboriginal incarceration. 'Federal funding for our people props up the NT's budget,' Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said. 'The Australian government needs to hold the NT government accountable and make sure its laws and policies match the intent of that funding – to help our communities.' But Mrs Finocchiaro said she would not change her government's approach. 'Yes, our Aboriginal incarceration rates are huge,' she said. 'It's appalling. But does that mean if an Aboriginal person breaks the law that we don't arrest them? Does it mean we don't send an Aboriginal person to prison because they're Aboriginal, that's just not how law works.' The Chief Minister denied her government was implementing racist policy. 'It's very, very cheap politics to go to race,' she said. 'It's the lowest form of political exchange so I'm not interested in it. At the end of the day the law is colourblind, it doesn't know what religion you are, it doesn't know anything about you, it's applied equally and it's about doing the right thing. 'You make a law and it applies to everyone. I say this until I'm blue in the face and I can't believe I have to say this, but if you do the right thing you're all good.' Northern Territory Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said the government had broken its promise to fix crime after winning last August's election. "The CLP continue to use slogans and catchy phrases but they fail to do the work and the heavy lifting expected of them,' she said. 'They promised Territorians they would make the Territory safer. We have not seen that in the 11 months of the CLP Government."
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Senseless violence': boy attack fast-tracks law reform
A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
NT Corrections Minister Gerard Maley speaking about Youth Justice Act changes
NT Corrections Minister Gerard Maley says changes to the Youth Justice Act will include the reintroduction of spit hoods, which are made of a translucent netting material with a cellophane interior that blocks spit. ( ABC News )
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Youth law reform fast-tracked after boy stabbed at show
Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers. The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show. A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week. "Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement. The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change. Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws. However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending. Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws. Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers. The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show. A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week. "Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement. The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change. Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws. However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending. Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws. Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers. The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show. A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week. "Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement. The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change. Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws. However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending. Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws. Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers. The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show. A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week. "Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement. The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change. Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws. However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending. Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Youth law reform fast-tracked after boy stabbed at show
Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers. The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show. A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week. "Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement. The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday. Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort. Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes". Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday. Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland. Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign. Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change. Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws. However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community. In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending. Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws.
