CLP to introduce bail laws to make it harder for youth reoffenders to get bail

THE CLP is set to introduce a Bill into Territory parliament next week aimed at making it a lot harder for repeat youth offenders to get bail

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THE CLP is set to introduce a Bill into Territory parliament next week aimed at making it a lot harder for repeat youth offenders to get bail, and reversing a change made in response to recommendations from the NT youth detention royal commission.

Speaking to media today, CLP Member for Brennan Marie-Clare Boothby said Territorians had been “crying out” for this change. “Ultimately we want to keep Territorians safe and we want to reverse the presumption of bail,” she said.

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“Repeat offenders need to hear a clear message that they can’t repeat the behaviour.”

The CLP has long been pushing for the change to youth bail laws, and renewed the call following the airing of an A Current Affair report on crime in Alice Springs earlier this week.

Fight on Alice Springs council lawns as featured on A Current Affair.

Deputy Opposition Leader Gerard Maley told Mix 104.9 on Wednesday morning that changing the presumption would ensure repeat youth offenders “don’t automatically go out onto the street”. However, he acknowledged the CLP didn’t have the numbers to pass the bill. “I think they (Labor MLAs) get into a lot of trouble if they don’t vote on party lines, but if the Labor Party don’t vote for this, they’re really putting the red flag up saying … we don’t care.

“We’re not going to change anything,” he said.

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The changes would reverse an amendment to Bail Act made in 2019 which means youth enjoy the presumption for bail unless they are charged with “prescribed offences”, as recommended following the royal commission.

In a statement issued on Monday, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said they are open to making legislative changes “where necessary”.