Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says the Police Minister couldn’t answer a single
question about how her government is going to address the Territory’s crime crisis differently,
despite the latest figures from police showing violent crime and alcohol-related attacks have
skyrocketed to alarming levels.
“The Police Minister was left flailing trying to defend Labor’s indefensible record.
“During Question Time this afternoon, the Minister refused to answer if Labor will
immediately review the Banned Drinker Register and legislate a presumption against bail for
repeat adult offenders, in light of the exponential growth in violent assaults.
“The Minister wouldn’t acknowledge the recent NT Police Association member survey – which
revealed 77% of respondents don’t think there are enough police, 88% are concerned about
attrition rates and 60% have either applied or are considering applying for another job – is a
direct reflection on her failure to support police.
“Minister Manison refused to rule out raising the age of criminal responsibility, despite a
lengthy list of alleged crimes committed by children under the age of 14 – as reported publicly,
recently by police – including:
- An 11-year-old arrested for his alleged involvement in aggravated robberies on businesses in the Darwin CBD, and charged with aggravated assault, stealing, trespass and possessing a controlled weapon;
- An 11-year-old arrested for breach of bail and charged with assaulting a worker in Palmerston;
- A 12-year-old charged with aggravated robbery for his alleged involvement in the hold up of a service station on Smith Street;
- Two 13-year-olds arrested for breach of bail and charged with aggravated robbery in relation to property offences in Darwin; and
- A 13-year-old charged with stealing and assaulting a worker at a shop in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
“The Minister refused to mandate that all repeat offenders, regardless of their crime, be
forced to wear ankle bracelets and undertake mandatory community service – if diverted or
bailed.
“Minister Manison also refused to restore breach of bail as an offence for youth offenders.
“Not only did the Police Minister fail to take any of our suggested law and order amendments
on board, which would have an impact on the spiralling crime rate, the Minister failed to
outline any of Labor’s new plans to curb crime – which isn’t surprising given the Gunner
Government is content with the status quo when it comes to crime,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
ENDS