NT Chief defends not having pool fences on rural properties

The Chief Minister Michael Gunner has defended his Government’s decision to leave the Territory’s pool fencing laws as is, ignoring Royal Life Saving NT pleas to implement the laws on rural properties 1.8 ha or larger.

Pool fence - Swimming. Under-fives are the most at risk for backyard drownings, yet 30% of parents admit to only checking the safety of their pool area, fence and gate once a year or less. This is despite 33% saying a family member had a near drowning experience involving a backyard pool. Former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence with siblings Olivia, 14 months and William Murdoch, 2 (blue top). Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has defended his Government’s decision to leave the Territory’s pool fencing laws as is, ignoring Royal Life Saving NT pleas to implement the laws on rural properties 1.8 ha or larger.

Mr Gunner said a recent public consultation process convinced the NT Government making people on larger rural properties with pools or spas install pool fences was not necessary.

“It was essentially taking a commonsense look at what was occurring and when we looked at the tragic deaths involved with drownings it was not happening in those locations exempt from the Act,” Mr Gunner said.

NT NEWS subscription deal – half price* for the first three months

“We need to be very careful around making decisions around what the evidence presented and what the Territorians who responded to the consultation were also seeking, so the review found the majority of Territorians believed laws were common sense and practical and obviously the evidence showed that where our laws were in place was making the biggest difference.

“So it was a practical look at how the laws were working.”

Royal Life Saving NT executive director Floss Roberts questioned the Government’s decision and says the organisation will continue to campaign for the laws to be changed.

“I think it’s also disappointing because I don’t want to have to wait until we have another drowning death and them say, ‘oh we need to fix that’,” she said.

She said updated laws around pools and spas did not need to include dams, creeks or rivers.

“It’s about the simple access to home pools needing to be restricted by a pool fence.”