Youth law reform fast-tracked after boy stabbed at show

Perth Now

3 days ago

Tough youth justice laws will be fast-tracked in one territory after a 15-year-old was accused of stabbing another teenager in front of shocked show-goers.
The Northern Territory government is set to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act just days after the male victim, also 15, was stabbed at the Royal Darwin Show.
A 15-year-old boy was charged after the stabbing on Saturday night, which reportedly triggered panic among show-goers.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the overhaul would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account" when fast-tracked in parliament this week.
"Territorians have a right to safe streets and communities, victims have a right to a responsible justice system, and serious offenders have the right to remain silent," Mr Maley said in a statement.
The 15-year-old boy has been charged with recklessly endanger life and possess, carry, use a controlled weapon, and remains in custody awaiting a bail review.
"This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said of the alleged attack on Sunday.
Proposed legislative changes include considering a youth's full criminal history when sentencing for adult offences and removing detention as a last resort.
Youth justice officers will have greater powers to use anti-spit guards and reasonable force to "maintain safety and prevent escapes".
Powers for the territory's commissioner to manage emergencies will also be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament, which will sit from Tuesday.
Tough youth justice reforms have been introduced across Australia, with the NT's approach mirroring that of Queensland.
Queensland's Liberal National government introduced controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws after a successful 2024 election campaign.
Children as young as 10 can be sentenced as an adult for up to 30 offences under the legislation change.
Victoria and NSW have also acted, introducing tougher bail laws.
However, the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws after triggering legislation following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April.
Under the NT laws, to grant bail a court must have "a high degree of confidence" an offender is not going to pose a risk to the community.
In its May budget, the NT's Country Liberal Party government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending.
Corrections were allocated $500 million to ensure beds and services were stocked to deal with the expected influx of prison populations under the new bail laws.