Leader of the Opposition – Lia Finocchiaro
Today’s report on the alleged violent crime at Casuarina proves that the consequences the Fyles Labor Government continues to tell Territorians exist, are simply not in place.
Territorians are rightly outraged at the news that a 15 year old allegedly wielding a machete, possessing drugs, was ushered home to a ‘responsible adult’.
This Government has spent weeks trying to fool Territorians with staged announcements, press releases and promises of action, but as per usual this has quickly unravelled.
The fact is that while Territorians are visiting our largest shopping centre in droves in the lead up to Christmas they are confronted with violent, terrifying disturbances with offenders getting nothing more than a taxi ride home.
Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro said, “No matter the tough talk and rhetoric from Labor’s Police Minister, families going about their day to day life are terrorised by youths with no respect for the law, knowing full well they will get away with it.”
“This is also having an impact on our hardworking police who are constricted by the Labor Government’s weak laws and weak approach to youth crime.
“Brent Potter said ‘judge me on my actions not my words’ and that’s exactly what Territorians are doing. They won’t be tricked by his arrogance.”
What we know of his actions in the last few weeks:
- The 50 police announced in Alice Springs, have been taken from Darwin, Katherine and remote stations despite the firm commitment otherwise.
- The promise of 24/7 Territory Families responses in Alice Springs has already been wound back.
- Territory Families cannot fulfil Labor’s commitments after Labor’s Minister announced they are 30% down on staff, reported to equate to 362 vacant positions.
- It’s been revealed that the youth services promised in Alice Springs and Palmerston are voluntary meaning offenders have no requirement to attend.
ENDS.