Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says the CLP’s push to recall parliament and address the Territory’s crime woes has been supported by NT Police.
“NT Police Association President Paul McCue this morning delivered a blunt message to the Chief Minister, while speaking on Mix104.9, saying: “If you continue to delay any amending to laws that could possibly come into place early, well then it’s going to create more victims out there and create more work for our police”.
“The NTPA represents 99% of the Territory’s police force, and if Michael Gunner refuses to recall parliament to address this urgent law and order issue – he’s sending the message he couldn’t care less about victims or our frontline.
“The Chief Minister isn’t fooling anyone. The reason Labor’s crime legislation isn’t ready is because drafting began the morning after A Current Affair aired, last month.
“The CLP has spent months drafting its Bail Amendment Bill 2021 and speaking with stakeholders. Since releasing our simple, six page Bill we’ve received nothing but positive feedback.
“How does Michael Gunner sleep at night knowing his refusal to recall parliament is allowing criminals to terrorise Territorians on a daily basis – and he is directly responsible?” said Ms Finocchiaro.
Shadow Minister for Alcohol Policy, Gerard Maley, says the warning from NT police that any delay in bringing forward law and order reform means more victims and more pressure on police should sound serious alarm bells for the Chief Minister to immediately recall parliament.
“When we’re seeing increases in alcohol-related assault right across the NT – including a staggering 68% in Tennant Creek and 62% in Palmerston, according to the latest crime statistics – it proves the Gunner Government has sensationally failed Territorians on both law and order and alcohol policy,” said Mr Maley.