Youth justice tops packed legislative agenda as NT parliament returns

From animal welfare to drink driving and youth justice – here’s what Territory politicians will debate as parliament reconvenes this week.

Front (L-R) Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, Minister Steve Edgington, back (L-R) Minister Bill Yan and Minister Joshua Burgoyne at the Northern Territory parliament. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Drink driving, animal cruelty, domestic violence and youth offending will headline this week’s agenda as parliament resumes in the Northern Territory.

The NT Legislative Assembly returns for another sitting week on Tuesday, in which reforms to the Youth Justice Act will be pushed through on urgency.

This week the Country Liberal Party government will also finalise its response to the coronial findings into the deaths of Miss Yunupingu, Ngeygo Ragurrk, Kumarn Rubuntja, and Kumanjayi Haywood – a landmark domestic violence inquest that made 35 recommendations, many of which remain outstanding.

It will introduce the Transport Legislation Amendment Bill, heralding major reforms to improve road safety.

Those include tougher penalties for drink and drug drivers, new infringements for unlicensed driving, and expanded powers for transit officers.

The strongest animal welfare laws in Territory history will also be introduced this week under the Animal Protection Legislation Amendment Bill, with tougher penalties and protections for pets, livestock and wildlife.

“Territorians have seen shocking cases of animal cruelty in recent years – and offenders have walked away with a slap on the wrist. That ends now,” Leader of Government Business Steve Edgington said.

Mr Edgington said the government was focused on restoring law and order, strengthening accountability and driving economic growth.

“This week, we’re introducing tough new laws to keep Territorians safe, reforms to drive economic certainty, and changes to modernise our legislation and protect the community.”

Defamation laws will be debated, as will a Public Information Amendment Bill which transfers oversight from the Auditor-General to the Ombudsman.

The Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will also be introduced, which the government said would streamline approvals, strengthen regulation and unlock new investment opportunities.

Originally published as Youth justice tops packed legislative agenda as NT parliament returns