Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says Labor’s monumental failures to address the Territory’s escalating crime wave over the last four and a half years in government means the CLP is again taking the lead by introducing crucial bail reform.
“Territorians have had a gutful and are breaking point. They cannot take it any longer.
“Repeat offenders who make up the vast majority of those committing crimes must face tougher penalties and the revolving door of bail has got to stop. That is why the Opposition is introducing the Bail Amendment Bill 2021.
“Our own Chief Minister doesn’t even know it was his Labor Government that gave repeat offenders a presumption of bail. Our Bill sets a presumption against bail for repeat adult and youth offenders, brings back breach of bail conditions as an offence and imposes mandatory electronic monitoring if a repeat offender is granted bail.
“These important bail reforms target serial offenders who repeatedly put the community at risk and make them accountable for their crimes.
“The Chief Minister has repeatedly failed to show leadership on the issue of law and order. The Opposition has listened to the deafening outcry from the public and police to reverse Labor’s watered down bail laws.
“When the peak body representing 99 percent of the Territory’s police force – the NT Police Association – is calling the Gunner Government’s bail laws ‘weak’ and demanding action, it’s a blunt message that the current system isn’t working.
“The Gunner Government can’t even fulfil its most basic function of keeping Territorians safe. NT crime statistics, made public on Friday, show violent crime – assaults, domestic violence and alcohol-related assaults – has dramatically increased right across the Territory.
“More than 3.5 million people have now witnessed the Chief Minister’s crime shame which was broadcast on A Current Affair’s. Labor’s failures have been sensationally highlighted on the national stage and as well as a break down in law and order, the Territory is grappling with an appalling economic and tourism crisis as a result. We call on the Gunner Labor Government to support our laws and end the chaos,” said Ms Finocchiaro.