Controversial youth justice laws to be pushed through parliament ‘on urgency’ today
The NT Government will push through its controversial amendments to the Youth Justice Legislation ‘on urgency’ during parliamentary sittings today
Northern Territory
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THE NT Government will push through its controversial amendments to the Youth Justice Legislation during parliamentary sittings today “on urgency”.
A raft of other Bills will also be debated over the next fortnight.
The amendments to the Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill will see more power given to police.
Repeat youth offenders will also be hauled back to remand in a bid to crack down on youth crime.
Under the government’s plan, young people who commit a serious breach of bail — including by reoffending or failing to attend court — will have their bail revoked.
The Bail Act, which was initially amended following recommendations of the royal commission, will be changed again to expand the list of crimes that make it difficult for young offenders to be granted bail.
Police will also be given powers to immediately use an electronic monitoring device on youths who are alleged to have committed a crime.
The changes to the legislation have been slammed by advocacy groups which claim it’s a step in the wrong direction and won’t deal with the root cause of the issue.
Government Business leader Natasha Fyles said parliament would also debate a range of other pieces of legislation.
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“We are set to pass significant legislation which will bolster the delivery of health services and improve economic opportunities for Territorians,” Ms Fyles said.
“The budget has reiterated the government’s focus on keeping Territorians in jobs.”
The Health Services Bill will integrate health services into one.
Other Bills set for debate include the Serious Sex Offenders Amendment Bill, Mineral Royalty Amendment Bill, NDIS (Worker Clearance) Amendment Bill and the Taxation Administration Amendment Bill.
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