CLP’s youth bail concerns ‘utterly wrong’, says Gunner

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has accused the Opposition of ‘scaremongering’ about changes to youth bail laws

CLP deputy leader Lia Finocchiaro ... ‘It sends a very wrong message to young people doing the wrong thing’

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has accused the Opposition of “scaremongering” about changes to youth bail laws.

A bill is before Territory parliament now which would mean young people charged with all but the most serious crimes are “entitled” to bail.

Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro took that to mean kids facing charges for serious violent offences would “automatically” receive bail.

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“We just don’t think this passes the pub test and the removal of consequences is of enormous concern,” she said.

But Mr Gunner said that was “absolutely and utterly wrong”.

“Police and the courts decide bail. The legislation does not take away the ability for police and courts to decide bail,” he said.

The new legislation will also mean bail breaches won’t be considered an offence.

“It sends a very wrong message to young people doing the wrong thing that they will not face consequences for their actions,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“What is the point of having a bail condition if when it is breached there is no consequence?”

The amendments would also mean all proceedings involving a youth would be held in closed court to avoid “potential stigmatisation” of the child, shutting out the public and media.

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Closing youth courts was a recommendation of the royal commission into youth justice, called after media exposed appalling conditions inside the Territory’s detention centres.