Proposed ringleader legislation has ‘almost no utility’: criminal lawyer
ADULTS who recruit kids to commit crimes could face up to ten years behind bars under new legislation set to be introduced in NT parliament this month.
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ADULTS who recruit kids to commit crimes could face up to ten years behind bars under new legislation set to be introduced in NT parliament this month.
The NT Government’s “ringleader” legislation targets people over the age of 18 who recruit young people into crime in response to mounting pressure to tackle youth crime throughout the Territory.
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The NT News understand the bill will likely be introduced in next week’s parliamentary sittings.
However, Darwin Criminal lawyer Matt Hubber, of Hubber Legal, said the government should focus on fixing judicial issues specific to the Territory rather than following other jurisdictions.
“The proposed law, as far as I can see, is lawmaking for lawmaking’s sake,” he said.
“In my opinion, the Attorney-General should be focused on abolishing mandatory sentencing and addressing issues more specific to this jurisdiction.
“This proposed law is really a rehashing of punitive Victorian measures introduced as a knee-jerk reaction in that jurisdiction to a perceived increase in youth crime, which is what is happening here.”
Mr Hubber said the proposed legislation has “almost no utility” in practice.
“I’m not sure what the legislation is really aimed at remedying,” he said.
“There’s already an ample suite of provisions available to charge offenders and co-conspirators under joint criminal responsibility provisions.”
The legislation was spruiked by Ms Manison in a visit to Alice Springs this week, who met with community members to talk about youth crime.
She said they were also looking at strengthening legislation around property offences.
It comes after it was announced that no live events will be held in Alice Spring’s Todd Mall for this year’s Parrtjima festival because of concerns about potential anti-social behaviour.
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The NT News contacted the offices of both Ms Manison and Attorney-General Selena Uibo for comment in response to criticisms of the proposed legislation.
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