Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says it’ll be months before any impact from the
Gunner Government’s watered down youth justice reforms will be known, and in that time
many more Territorians will become victims of violent crime.
“The latest crime statistics (year on year to March 2021) show there’s little reprieve for
Territorians who are victims of crime. Assaults, domestic violence and alcohol-related assaults
have once again increased right across the Territory, in some cases up to 30 percent.
“Figures from Palmerston are particularly alarming with assaults up 51%, alcohol-related
assaults rising a staggering 87%, and domestic-violence assaults increasing 71%.
“These numbers are sickening and couldn’t be further proof of the harm the Gunner Labor
Government has inflicted on Territorians due to its arrogance and inaction on law and order
reform.
“In Darwin assaults are up 24%, domestic-violence assaults and alcohol-related assaults up more
than 30%.
“The figures are similarly dire in Katherine and Tennant Creek. Assaults are up 21%, domestic violence assaults up 26% and alcohol-related assaults up 31% in Katherine and 31%, 26% and
50% in Tennant Creek.
“Assaults once again increased in Alice Springs and house break-ins are up 17%.
“The police do their best to combat crime under extremely trying circumstances and it is
disappointing their efforts aren’t adequately supported by a Government that drags its heels.
“Labor completely missed the mark when it pushed through its watered down and inadequate
youth justice reforms in the May sittings. At best it was a shuffle in the right direction, but failed
to reverse the deep-seated public concern that there are no consequences for youth offenders.
“This will be a major test for the Gunner Government as to whether these bail amendments are
going to make any difference – and quite frankly we’re not confident they will,” said Ms
Finocchiaro
Source: Northern Territory Crime Statistics | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services