Now, after heavy community pressure, the Northern Territory government is trying to do right by the NTPF’s concerns. They promise to change tough-on-youth-crime legislation. The changes seek more serious penalties for 13 offenses, such as hit-and-runs, car thefts, and assaults on police officers. Minister for Justice Lia Finocchiaro rebutted that the amendments are focused on dealing with young offenders. She hopes these changes will ensure they find themselves with serious repercussions for their behavior.
The amendments come at a time when crime is on the rise. Indigenous women featured prominently on these catchlists, comprising 80% of women being caught and returned over the specified period of time. The administration aims to make these legislative changes within the month and they are a clear indication of the state’s overall commitment to a tough-on-crime approach.
Finocchiaro underscored the need for such changes to be made immediately, claiming that the community’s right to safety must come first. “The CLP government will not tolerate repeat offenders and their apologists putting community safety last,” she declared.
Legislative Changes and Offenses Targeted
Finocchiaro argued that the amendments would give cops the tools they need to get a handle on youth crime. She argued that “our police, that are experts — that deal with this day in, day out — across the Northern Territory have said ‘we need stronger legislation, we need amendments,’” referring to the requests from police officials regarding the need for more robust laws.
- Offences relating to riots
- Violent acts causing death
- Recklessly endangering serious harm
- Negligently causing serious harm
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Dangerous driving during pursuits
- Assault on workers
- Driving or riding in a vehicle without consent
- Assault on police officers
- Assault with intent to steal
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Making off without payment
The government’s proposed changes would allow the government to change diversion requirements stipulated by the Youth Justice Act. As it stands now, these requirements do not count if a youth has prior convictions or has been diverted before. This provision is intended to crack down on habitual violators with more severity. It seeks to lower their likelihood of avoiding accountability.
As the government continues to defend its approach in these amendments, critics like us contend that these amendments are an extremely ill-conceived strategy. Blair McFarland, a spokesperson for the opposition, referred to the proposed changes as a “desperate” counterpunch. He accused the CLP government of attempting to meet their tough-on-crime election campaign pledges.
Opposition Voices and Concerns
As McFarland explains, just cracking down on the laws isn’t going to solve the deeper societal factors leading to the root cause of youth crime. He stated, “It’s not going to do anything to actually address the social problems that are creating all the crime.” He blasted the idea of punishing young people without investing in proper support systems that could help them rehabilitate.
Opponents including advocates for youth justice have raised similar concerns about the impact of the proposed amendments. Shahleena Musk was equally assertive in calling attention to the fact that many young people who enter the justice system are themselves victims of abuse and neglect. “They are survivors of abuse, neglect, maltreatment and many of them are actually under child protection orders — many have been removed from their families,” she noted, advocating for a more compassionate approach rather than punitive measures.
Ally Sara reaffirmed these feelings, stating that the government’s programs are at risk of quickening young people into patterns of imprisonment and reoffending. “We know that once kids enter the prison system, it’s extremely hard to keep them out,” she stated.
Despite backlash, the CLP government has been unapologetic in its push to change youth crime laws. The $1.5 billion investment in the territory’s justice system is described as “the largest law and order funding in territory history.” This funding will primarily supplant more community-oriented policing efforts. It will create new facilities and programs specifically geared toward keeping youth out of crime.
Government’s Commitment to Reforms
Finocchiaro mentioned plans for relocating certain youth facilities to better support young people in finding alternative pathways away from crime. “Relocating [Paperbark] into a purpose-built facility will better support young people into different pathways,” she explained.
The government’s tone highlights their clear position that stronger legislative measures are needed to keep communities safe. It remains contentious whether such measures will be effective in reducing youth crime rates or merely perpetuate a cycle of incarceration without addressing deeper societal issues.
The government’s approach underscores their belief that stronger legislation is essential for community safety. However, it remains contentious whether such measures will be effective in reducing youth crime rates or merely perpetuate a cycle of incarceration without addressing deeper societal issues.
