Alice Springs MLA Josh Burgoyne bemoans CBD rollover fatality, calls out government

Alice Springs MLA Joshua Burgoyne has lashed out at what he claims is government “inaction, in the wake of an 18 year-old’s death in a Red Centre CBD vehicle rollover.

CLP Member Joshua Burgoyne has slammed the NT Government after a fatal car rollover in Alice Springs this week.

CLP MP Joshua Burgoyne has called for change after a young man lost his life on an Alice Springs road – saying there had been fears such a tragedy would transpire.

On Friday morning, a stolen Toyota HiLux carrying eight men rolled, with an 18-old taken to hospital in a critical condition.

CCTV captured the moment the car rolled on top of the 18-year-old man, who police say had been “seated on the door in the open window space” of the ute at the time of the crash.

Eight males exited the ute and fled the scene.

The 18-year-old, who was taken to Alice Springs Hospital in a critical condition, died as a result of his injuries.

Mr Burgoyne said he had only last week spoken of his fear that there would be another fatality as a result of the crime crisis.

“Unfortunately this has come to pass in Alice Springs following the crash of an alleged stolen vehicle,” he said.

Mr Burgoyne said his condolences “go out to the family”.

“I spoke at great length after the death of Shane Powell in Alice Springs that something needed to change or we would see more deaths in regards to stolen motor vehicles in our town,” he said.

“Territorians want action now and are crying out for change.”

Mr Burgoyne accused the Labor government’s “irresponsible” crime stance as the cause of rising offences.

“Labor’s inaction on this issue cannot continue – since the dismantling of the Youth Justice Act in 2019 which included weakening bail laws and removal of consequences for offenders, we have seen a continued rise in the offending of young people,” he said.

“Labor’s decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility without implementing effective programs for young offenders is irresponsible.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said Territorians knew “quick fixes don’t work”.

“Youth crime is a serious issue and we’re committed to making the Territory safer - whether it’s in Alice Springs or Darwin and everywhere in between,” she said.

“Territorians know quick fixes don’t work and my team is focused on making changes to improve community safety.”

Ms Lawler hit back on the issue of criminal age of responsibility.

“To say programs aren’t in place for youth under 12 (years of age) is not true,” she said.

“’On Track’ is in place to make those under 12 accountable for their actions.

“The CLP like to pretend they are tough on crime but they don’t have any ideas to make our streets safer.”