Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says Territorians can’t wait 18 months for a report
card on whether the Gunner Government’s so-called ‘toughest ever’ crackdown on youth
crime is working.
“After ignoring the public’s desperate pleas for action on the Territory’s crime crisis, Labor
finally buckled to pressure from the community and CLP Opposition and cobbled together
watered down youth bail changes. During the May sittings the weak reforms were rushed
through parliament.
“Now, the Territory Families Minister who is responsible for youth justice expects Territorians
to accept an 18 month lag in reporting data to see if these changes are even working.
“That’s a bitter pill to swallow. Territorians don’t have 18 months to wait while the Gunner
Government fumbles and fails on policy around law and order.
“In recent weeks, police have publicly reported the following allegations:
- A 15-year-old arrested over a crime spree including a ram raid at the Zuccoli IGA;
- A 15-year-old charged with assault, stealing, criminal damage, unlawful entries, bag snatches, and fraudulent use of stolen credit cards in Darwin;
- A 13-year-old arrested and charged over the stabbing of a 16-year-old in Palmerston;
- A 15-year-old arrested and charged with unlawful entry, stealing, property damage, and trespass in Ludmilla, and;
- A 15-year-old arrested and charged with aggravated assault and deprivation of liberty after dragging a 16 year old girl into a car in Alice Springs
“How many of those alleged youth offenders have been bailed? Which agency is capturing
this bail data? Since the legislative amendments passed in May, have any changes been
identified? The reality is, we simply don’t know.
“The Gunner Government can’t put a foot right when it comes to protecting Territorians and
supporting our police,” said Ms Finocchiaro.