NT government announces review of bail laws: ‘We want to stop it before it takes hold’

The NT government has announced an immediate review of bail laws after a bottle shop worker was stabbed to death after allegedly denying a 19-year-old service.

Transit officers in the NT will be given new powers to possess capsicum spray. Picture: Liam Mendes

The Northern Territory government has announced an immediate review of bail laws, after a 20-year-old bottle shop worker was stabbed to death after allegedly denying a 19-year-old service.

“Immediately we’re going to review the bail laws and penalties for weapon offences,” NT chief minister Natasha Fyles said on Wednesday morning.

“This work will commence ­immediately and it will review the bail laws for offences involving a weapon, including the presumption for and against bail for such offences.

“We will also review the current penalties for people carrying weapons in public, along with undertaking a review of the police powers to ensure that they are ­adequate and meet the communities expectations.”

Declan Laverty, 20, was allegedly stabbed to death at The Airport Tavern in Darwin. Picture: Facebook

Ms Fyles also said transit officers would be given new powers to possess capsicum spray.

“We will ensure that transit officers are soon equipped with this spray and we will also look towards crowd controllers having the ability to carry capsicum spray.”

She also said a “workplace safety review” would be undertaken involving the auditing of late-night outlets such as takeaway alcohol venues, service stations and fast-food restaurants.

It comes after Darwin Local Court heard on Tuesday teenager Keith Kerinauia, who was charged with the murder of bottle shop worker Declan Laverty, had been released on bail just over a month ago for alleged aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

Ms Fyles also announced a “high visibility” operation conducted by NT police targeting “known hotspots to deter unacceptable behaviour”, and the funding of “crowd controllers” at takeaway alcohol outlets for a ­period of three months.

She also said the NT government would relaunch the “alcohol secure” program, aimed at providing support to the liquor industry so that premises can be secure while closed and during opening hours, and improvements to safety and training for retail workers.

“We’ll work together to develop a best practice training guide for retail workers dealing with confronting situations as well as refresher training for the responsible service of alcohol.

“Our safety is paramount, enough is enough, this behaviour has to stop,” Ms Fyles said.

“We have seen nationally and in the Northern Territory increased carriage of edged weapons along with violent crime.

“We want to stop it before it takes hold.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Laverty’s death “cannot be in vain”.

“For years we have been calling to stop the revolving door of bail,” she said. “Sadly, it took ­Declan’s loss of life to (an alleged) violent offender out on bail for Natasha Fyles to listen.”

She said the Country Liberal Party had legislation written and ready to be implement by parliament this week.

“It is important Natasha Fyles does not pick and choose parts of bail to be reviewed,” she said.

“Natasha Fyles failed to give a timeline for this review,” Ms Finocchiaro said, adding: “Territorians don’t need a review – they need immediate action.”