Youth crime crackdown: CLP to ‘overhaul’ NT Youth Justice Act
Legislation changes toughening up youth justice laws will be pushed through Territory Parliament this week and for many fed up Territorians it can’t happen soon enough. Read what will be tabled this week in Parliament.
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Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has vowed to toughen the Youth Justice Act following the alleged stabbing of a teenage boy at the Royal Darwin Show, with the Chief Minister saying legislation will be “introduced on urgency” this week in Parliament.
At the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday evening, a knife was allegedly plunged into a 15 year-old boy during an altercation, triggering panic.
The alleged victim was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.
On Sunday morning, Ms Finocchiaro, who enjoyed the show’s festivities the day before the stabbing, took aim at the “apologists” who “have come out against” her government’s crime package.
“Let’s be clear, our current reality is the result of years of Labor’s soft, offender-first policies,” she said.
“ Yesterday at the Royal Darwin Show, a 15-year-old allegedly stabbed another child in front of Territorians who were simply trying to enjoy the event.
“This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my Government, it will not be tolerated.”
Ms Finocchiaro then doubled down on “replacing Labor’s broken system”,
“This week in Parliament, we will be changing the Youth Justice Act to end Labor’s failed catch-and-release scheme,” she said.
“We expect the usual offender apologists to criticise our efforts, but they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay.
“Legislation will be introduced on urgency to overhaul the Youth Justice Act 2005 and Youth Justice Regulations 2006.”
The changes follow months of youth related crime that has seen carjackings, home invasions, ram raids, edged weapons incidents, bashings and riotous behaviour.
The key changes which will be tabled include:
- For courts to now consider a youth’s full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences;
- Removing ‘detention as a last resort’;
- Stronger powers for Youth Justice Officers to use spit-guards and ‘reasonable force’ to maintain safety and prevent escapes;
- Expanded powers for the Commissioner to manage emergencies, aligning with the Correctional Services Act.
Further, the CLP say additional effects will materialise through the changes, including the definition of ‘escape’, the strengthening of victim engagement and aligning chief executive powers with the Corrections Services Act.
In early July, Ms Finocchiaro announced she would expand the list of serious offences that are ineligible for youth diversion.
The 13 ‘prescribed offences’ included riot related charges, violent act causing death, recklessly endangering serious harm, negligently causing serious harm, hit-and-run, dangerous driving during pursuit, assaults on workers, police or with the intent to steal, robbery, burglary, using a stolen motor vehicle and making off without payment.
The NT Parliament will meet between July 29 - July 31.
The reforms respond to repeated community concerns and real cases where young offenders reoffended while on bail, putting the community at further risk.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the reforms respond to repeated community concerns and real cases where young offenders reoffended while on bail, putting the community at further risk.
“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,” said Mr Maley.
OPINION: Page 13
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Originally published as Youth crime crackdown: CLP to ‘overhaul’ NT Youth Justice Act
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