Territory Government succeeds in more rehabilitation to combat repeat offenders

The Territory Government has removed mandatory sentencing for some crimes, preferring instead to rehabilitate offenders. We reveal what it means.

A major shake-up of mandatory sentencing laws will see Territorians rehabilitated rather than incarcerated for some crimes.

The Sentencing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, which passed on Thursday evening, removed mandatory sentencing for assault, drug offences, and breaches of domestic violence orders and introduce enforced behaviour change programs and community work.

It will not impact sentencing for homicide, sexual offences, and assault against police officers or emergency service workers.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said there was “no magic wand solution” to crime but the Bill would deliver “positive reforms that others are afraid to do”.

“What this will do is allow judges to sentence offenders, to enforce behaviour change programs, work or training requirements, or life skills programs monitored and enforced by Corrections,” she said.

“We have listened to the community, police, Territory families, social service providers.

“We know that we will get better outcomes.

“If we have more options for sentencing, the judges will be able to respond to the individual offender’s risk factors and their rehabilitative needs.”

However, the Country Liberal Party have rebuked the legislation, labelling it “dangerous”.

Opposition Attorney-General Steven Edgington said the move was “premature” and “misguided”.

“The reason we currently have mandatory sentencing is simple,” he said.

“The Territory community expects that violent crimes and those that erode the safety and harmony of our community will be met with a serious consequence, not a slap on the wrist.

“In the world that we live in, this might seem controversial, but it is not throughout 200 years of contemporary society.

“While our values have evolved, we still believe in social order and justice.”

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister Lauren Moss said mandatory sentencing did not deter crime, but could increase it.

“Short periods of incarceration impacts on a person’s employment prospects, education, and training opportunities, and that results in further entrenched offending behaviours,” she said.

“We need to do better when it comes to early intervention and appropriate, long-lasting solutions when it comes to tackling crime and sentencing.”

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Originally published as Territory Government succeeds in more rehabilitation to combat repeat offenders