Community safety tops agenda for NT parliament’s return next month

The first time the Territory’s new government will sit in parliament has been confirmed. Here is what’s on the agenda for the CLP, opposition and crossbench.

The Northern Territory Government says community safety will lead the agenda when the legislative assembly sits for the first time post-election.

Resuming on October 15, Territory parliament will have a fresh-faced look, with 12 first timers among the 25 members, and a strong CLP majority leaving no barrier to any legislation the new government wants to pass.

“Community safety is my government’s first priority, and we are on track to deliver our promised reforms on bail, and increased police powers, in this first sitting of parliament,” Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said.

The new CLP government has promised a community safety focus when NT parliament returns on October 15. Picture: Supplied/Jayden O’Neill

“Declan’s Law and other measures including criminalising bail breaches, electronic monitoring for people on bail, ram raid legislation, reducing the criminal age of responsibility and minimum mandatory sentences for assaulting frontline workers will be ready as promised.

“Territorians voted for change for the better and I look forward to working with the new parliament to lead the Territory forward.”

Former CLP turned Independent Robyn Lambley – now the NT’s longest serving politician – said she supported the government’s focus.

“I haven’t seen the details but I’m very pleased to see they’re on the front foot and doing what they promised to do,” she said.

“The government has a firm agenda for reforming legislation to better address crime in the NT which I’m fully supportive of.”

NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The CLP is expected to find less support from the remainder of the crossbench.

Greens MLA Kat MacNamara said she was excited to bring her Nightcliff electorate’s voice into parliament and show people “we can do politics differently”.

“I’m ready to hold the CLP to account for their regressive approaches to crime and for ignoring the evidence,” she said.

“I’m going to champion integrity and policies that actually benefit Territorians, not big corporations.”

Labor will oppose the age of criminal responsibility being lowered, but has not said what – if any – reforms it will support.

“My team and I are fully focused on holding the new CLP government to account,” Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said.

“It is imperative any changes have a real and positive impact on Territorians’ lives, which is why the Labor Opposition I lead will be constructive in the way we approach proposed legislation.”

Originally published as Community safety tops agenda for NT parliament’s return next month