Shadow Minister for Territory Families and Opposition Whip, Joshua Burgoyne, says the CLP is focusing on protecting Territory workers, ensuring adequate checks and balances on COVID decisions, and calling for more consultation with communities and stakeholders ahead of Labor’s introduction of laws to allow alcohol to flow freely in the bush.
“The CLP won’t be distracted by Labor’s leadership mess – we are focused on finding solutions to the issues that matter most to Territorians.
“That is why the CLP has introduced legislation, to be debated this week, to ensure greater support and protection for Territory workers. Our laws will see every offender who is cowardly enough to assault police, paramedics, nurses, teachers, taxi drivers – and any other Territory worker – face an actual term of imprisonment.
“Stronger sentencing provisions are in line with community expectations and sends a clear message that this abhorrent behaviour won’t be tolerated. Judges have discretion to impose a maximum sentence, we want to ensure they have the legislative powers to impose a minimum term of imprisonment – even if it’s a first offence.
“Natasha Fyles has admitted Labor’s current strategy to address record levels of crime isn’t working – this is an opportunity for a reset, and for the new Labor leader to prove she’s prepared to listen to Territorians who desperately want urgent action.
“This week will also see debate on Labor’s laws to give the CHO unfettered emergency power for two more years – despite Labor scrapping the public health emergency.
“The CLP does not support these laws and does not support the removal of the mandatory reporting by the CHO to parliament. Territorians deserve to know the health advice and evidence provided to Labor – and how that advice has been implemented.
“The CLP will also be voting against the Associations and Liquor Amendment Bill 2022. Let’s be clear, we absolutely support local decision-making. We have seen no commitment of adequate police and health services, and no commitment for adequate alcohol treatment programs in the bush. Labor’s ‘consultation’ is virtually non-existent, with formal letters to landowners, who will ultimately make the decision to allow alcohol in communities, only sent in the last fortnight. We can’t, in good conscience, support these laws,” said Mr Burgoyne.
ENDS