Government’s call for NT businesses to help fight crime

The Territory government has called for local businesses to help the offenders who are hurting their businesses.

The Territory’s business operators have been asked to help implement the new government’s measures to reduce juvenile crime and reoffending.

Speaking at an October Business Month event, staged by NT Chamber of Commerce at Casuarina Square on Wednesday, Business Minister Robyn Cahill said the private sector would be part of the solution to the Territory’s chronic crime problems.

She said new government measures including tougher requirements before bail is granted and a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10 were designed to make the Territory safe, and not to lock up kids.

New NT Business Minister Robyn Cahill with Chamber of Commerce’s Greg Ireland and Casuarina Square manager Polly Lamond.

“We want to make sure that you know that we are there to protect you,” Ms Cahill proclaimed to about 150 event guests.

“Where you’ve had incidents of crime in your business or in your home, that people know there are very real consequences that will be put in place to deal with that, but we’re also going to be looking after the kids that we find who get themselves into trouble.

“This is not about putting them in prison. This is actually about circuit-breaking and giving them an opportunity to get their life on track.

“And you guys are going to have to play a part in that, because we’re going to come to you and say ‘we want these kids to learn skills’ and ‘we want these kids to have a job and somewhere safe to live’.

“We’ll need your help to do that. This is our community and we’ll be working together each and every one or us will have a really important role to play.”

NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Will Evans said he welcomed the opportunity to work with the new government to tackle some of the issues.

“The NTCA supports the Minister’s comments and looks forward to working with the Finocchiaro Government on ensuring that the appropriate support and investment is made to assist businesses in building and participating in these kinds of programs,” he said.

“Supporting Territory businesses to tackle Territory problems is a clear pathway to addressing these challenges.

“However, equality of opportunity is equally important. Ensuring that the pathways created through ‘diversion’ type job programs are not solely available to those with criminal histories is critical.

“The pastoral industry needs accountants, lawyers, scientists, and veterinarians as much as it need ringers, truck drivers, welders, and diesel mechanics. We want all kids in regional areas to see pathways to work with in our industry regardless of what their skills or interests might be.”

A Darwin CBD business figure, who asked not to be named, said the plan would require the provision of support and case-management services by government to ensure both employers and employees benefited from the placements.

“Announcements like this sound good straight after an election but there is a practical element as well and that will be what we need to explore,” they said.

“I’m not opposed to it, I just want more detail before I commit to anything.”