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West Australian
21-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Concerning rise triggers mandatory DV sentencing laws
Mandatory sentencing for domestic violence order breaches have been restored under a territory's new laws after a concerning rise in incidents. The Northern Territory's Country Liberal Party government has pushed through the laws, with Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby saying they would ensure domestic violence perpetrators faced real consequences for offending. "For too long, the rights of offenders have been prioritised over the rights of victims," she said. The new laws restore mandatory minimum sentence provisions repealed by the former Labor government in 2022, with Ms Boothby saying domestic violence incidents since then had increased by 82 per cent across the NT. "The previous Labor government neglected our justice system, they let crime spiral, backlogs grow, and left victims behind," she said. The new laws were aimed at addressing this as part of last week's record budget announcement of $1.5 billion on law and order. Offenders who harm or threaten a victim will go to jail if they have previously breached a domestic violence order, or if they breach an order multiple times in a short period (28 days). The new measures include a tiered mandatory sentencing framework from two to five years of imprisonment and an increase in the levy for guilty offenders by around 40 per cent to bolster funds for victims' services. They also expand a victims' register to more frequently notify victim-survivors when perpetrators breach orders and introduce a new electronic application process to fast-track applications for victims seeking financial relief. "We must do everything we can to protect victims and keep them safe from their perpetrators," Ms Boothby said. But legal reform and social support groups have disputed the impact of the new mandatory sentencing laws, saying they would not reduce offending. Justice Reform Initiative NT co-ordinator Kirsten Wilson said the laws were a "knee-jerk" tough-on-crime approach that would not work to keep women and families safe in the long term. She said the CLP government needed to recognise that imprisonment failed to address the drivers of offending, with evidence showing mandatory sentencing did not deter crime. "The evidence shows us that imprisonment increases the risk of reoffending and often entrenches underlying issues by worsening employment prospects, health outcomes, and cutting people off from their community." Fellow Justice Reform co-ordinator Rocket Bretherton urged the NT government to shift focus to support frontline services that address the causes of violent behaviour and explore alternatives to imprisonment to ensure women's safety. "Mandatory sentencing has been shown to increase women's incarceration rates alongside men's and disproportionately impact First Nations women," she said. Law changes must be balanced with investment in community programs and First Nations-led initiatives that work to address offending behaviours to keep women and families safe, Ms Bretherton said. The NT Council of Social Service CEO Sally Sievers said all 21 submissions to the parliamentry committee that scrutinised the new laws opposed them, but they still passed. "Mandatory sentencing without meaningful rehabilitation is not a solution. It's a missed opportunity for prevention," she said in a statement. The community services sector was ready to work with the government to ensure victims and offenders had access to programs to prevent violence and improve community safety, Ms Sievers said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Concerning rise triggers mandatory DV sentencing laws
Mandatory sentencing for domestic violence order breaches have been restored under a territory's new laws after a concerning rise in incidents. The Northern Territory's Country Liberal Party government has pushed through the laws, with Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby saying they would ensure domestic violence perpetrators faced real consequences for offending. "For too long, the rights of offenders have been prioritised over the rights of victims," she said. The new laws restore mandatory minimum sentence provisions repealed by the former Labor government in 2022, with Ms Boothby saying domestic violence incidents since then had increased by 82 per cent across the NT. "The previous Labor government neglected our justice system, they let crime spiral, backlogs grow, and left victims behind," she said. The new laws were aimed at addressing this as part of last week's record budget announcement of $1.5 billion on law and order. Offenders who harm or threaten a victim will go to jail if they have previously breached a domestic violence order, or if they breach an order multiple times in a short period (28 days). The new measures include a tiered mandatory sentencing framework from two to five years of imprisonment and an increase in the levy for guilty offenders by around 40 per cent to bolster funds for victims' services. They also expand a victims' register to more frequently notify victim-survivors when perpetrators breach orders and introduce a new electronic application process to fast-track applications for victims seeking financial relief. "We must do everything we can to protect victims and keep them safe from their perpetrators," Ms Boothby said. But legal reform and social support groups have disputed the impact of the new mandatory sentencing laws, saying they would not reduce offending. Justice Reform Initiative NT co-ordinator Kirsten Wilson said the laws were a "knee-jerk" tough-on-crime approach that would not work to keep women and families safe in the long term. She said the CLP government needed to recognise that imprisonment failed to address the drivers of offending, with evidence showing mandatory sentencing did not deter crime. "The evidence shows us that imprisonment increases the risk of reoffending and often entrenches underlying issues by worsening employment prospects, health outcomes, and cutting people off from their community." Fellow Justice Reform co-ordinator Rocket Bretherton urged the NT government to shift focus to support frontline services that address the causes of violent behaviour and explore alternatives to imprisonment to ensure women's safety. "Mandatory sentencing has been shown to increase women's incarceration rates alongside men's and disproportionately impact First Nations women," she said. Law changes must be balanced with investment in community programs and First Nations-led initiatives that work to address offending behaviours to keep women and families safe, Ms Bretherton said. The NT Council of Social Service CEO Sally Sievers said all 21 submissions to the parliamentry committee that scrutinised the new laws opposed them, but they still passed. "Mandatory sentencing without meaningful rehabilitation is not a solution. It's a missed opportunity for prevention," she said in a statement. The community services sector was ready to work with the government to ensure victims and offenders had access to programs to prevent violence and improve community safety, Ms Sievers said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
National Observer
15-05-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
First Nations call on Carney to deliver on clean water and housing in first 100 days
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government faces its first major test on Indigenous infrastructure when Parliament resumes — First Nations leaders are demanding reintroduction of stalled water legislation and new investments in community-led housing within the first 100 days. Senator Paul Prosper, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other First Nations leaders unveiled seven 'Canada Strong' priorities in Ottawa this week. They identified clean water and housing as urgent areas for immediate federal action, among other priorities for economic development and fisheries management. Clean water legislation Indigenous Services Canada has issued 32 long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities. Neskantaga First Nation has been under a boil water advisory for almost 30 years. In 2024, the former Liberal government introduced Bill C-61 to establish enforceable national standards for drinking water and wastewater, safeguard freshwater sources, and create a First Nations Water Commission. The bill died on the order paper when Parliament was dissolved for the election, and will have to be reintroduced if it is to become law. 'The promise of introduction of a bill to address long-standing drinking water issues is more than just a promise,' said Kerry Black, an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Calgary, during the press conference. 'It's a legal requirement embedded in the class action settlement." 'Prime Minister Carney has said that Canada must spend less and invest more, and First Nations-led solutions are exactly the kind of smart investment that delivers real returns in housing, jobs and long-term economic strength,' said Candace Larsen. Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Neskantaga First Nation filed a national class action lawsuit against the federal government, resulting in an $8-billion settlement and a legal commitment to modernize First Nations drinking water legislation, making reform a binding requirement of the settlement. 'Canada is a developed country, is a first- world country, and we shouldn't have our own people, the first peoples of this country, that don't have safe drinking water yet. There's something wrong with this picture,' said Myrle Ballard, a University of Manitoba professor and Anishinaabe scholar focused on Indigenous science and environmental issues. Beyond Bill C-61, the government is expected to make substantial investments in infrastructure and ongoing funding to support water treatment systems and personnel training. 'It's not just a one-time thing; it has to be an ongoing commitment,' Ballard said. Ken Coates, a professor of Indigenous governance at Yukon University, said that governments already have the authority and resources to upgrade drinking water systems, just as they routinely repair roads. Failing to fund those upgrades would be a clear sign Indigenous Peoples are not being treated equally, he said. Indigenous-led housing initiatives Housing on reserves is still a crisis, according to the Assembly of First Nations report. Over 150,000 new homes are needed to address overcrowding, mould and deteriorating infrastructure. The previous Parliament's $4.3-billion Indigenous Housing Strategy has funded 74 projects so far, but thousands of families are still on waitlists. 'If we invest in First Nations to close the infrastructure and housing gap, we can propel ourselves from being at the bottom of the G7 countries to number one worldwide. I believe this represents a smart approach for Canada, investing in First Nations,' Woodhouse Nepinak said at the press conference. Housing experts say there is a disconnect between policy design and on-the-ground community needs, pointing to fragmented supply chains, gaps in infrastructure and lack of skilled trades. Leaders at the conference pressed for funding to flow directly to Indigenous-led housing projects. 'Prime Minister Carney has said that Canada must spend less and invest more, and First Nations-led solutions are exactly the kind of smart investment that delivers real returns in housing, jobs and long-term economic strength,' said Candace Larsen, executive director of One Bowl Housing Corporation, during the press conference. One Bowl, led by Missanabie Cree, Chapleau Anishinabeg, and Brunswick House First Nations in Ontario, builds modular homes from local timber. Since 2019, it has built 22 homes and sent 15 DIY kits to Kashechewan First Nation, where residents are trained to assemble energy-efficient houses suited for northern climates. The organization is also trying to build community capacity and self-sufficiency by involving local people in every stage of the housing process. Direct investment is needed not only in such housing projects, but also in capacity-building grants, streamlined approvals and technical support for First Nations communities, said Coates. Other priorities discussed include investing in Indigenous-led economic development initiatives, finalizing overdue disability income support for Mi'kmaw communities, expediting self-government fiscal negotiations and launching the external review into DFO's treatment of Mi'kmaw fishers. As Parliament prepares to open on May 26, the government's response to these priorities will be closely watched by First Nations leaders. 'The path to a stronger Canada runs through real partnership with First Nations Peoples. That means funding First Nations-led solutions with the same urgency and the same seriousness that we give to every other national priority,' Larsen said.
Global News
02-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Manitoba Indigenous leaders call for catalogue, collaboration from HBC
Manitoba Indigenous leaders say the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) has yet to provide them with a list of the historic artifacts they intend to auction off, despite their requests. 'What we are calling for is a process for First Nations to view the artifacts, engage in a constructive dialog and explore the possibility of repatriating items in a respectful manner,' Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters Thursday. Woodhouse Nepinak, joined by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee, and seven other Manitoba Chiefs and representatives, called for a First Nations-led review of the 2,000+ items the bankrupt company intends to sell as it liquidates its assets. They voiced concerns the collection could contain culturally-significant items. 'These are more than just historical objects,' said Grand Chief Settee. 'They define who we are, our culture, our stories, our history. They should not be in the hands of museum collectors, corporations. They belong to our people.' Story continues below advertisement The HBC has said the collection contains the 1670 charter that founded the company but has not detailed what else the collection contains. Other collections of HBC artifacts contain beadwork and archival records. Get weekly money news Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday. Sign up for weekly money newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'My understanding is that there are sacred pipes and drums and ceremonial items that were potentially entrusted by HBC, by our ancestors, to mark a relationship, but these items were not to be sold or be hidden,' Grand Chief Wilson said. Grand Chief Woodhouse Nepinak said she has sent letters to the federal government and Hudson's Bay asking to meet to discuss the artifacts. 'We certainly hope that people will do the right thing,' she said. Grand Chief Daniels said he has spoken to HBC Executive Chairman Richard Baker, and has a meeting with HBC Properties & Investments CEO Ian Putnam scheduled for Friday. 'We want to see… what are they planning on doing, and obviously express our dismay at this current strategy,' he said. 'We'll try to push to the furthest extent possible to get all of our artifacts in our possession.' Canadian Museum Association (CMA) CEO Janis Bomberry says the proposed sale of artifacts 'goes against some of our standards and recommendations when it comes to repatriation in Canada.' 'When this was brought to our attention, it definitely raised a lot of alarm bells on our end that there had not been one proper engagement or consultation,' she said. Story continues below advertisement In 2022, the CMA developed repatriation guidelines for international and Canadian museums housing Indigenous artifacts. Bomberry says returning artifacts is a form of economic reconciliation. Related News Liquidation raises alarm over fate of HBC war memorials, artifacts 'HBC has a powerful opportunity to demonstrate corporate leadership by engaging transparently with indigenous communities and ensuring that their voices and perspectives are included in economic decision-making,' she said. 'We need to have Indigenous experts looking at the complete inventory to determine what is of present-day concern… and what emergency funding might be available to help retain these ancestry belongings within Canadian borders should it come to that,' said CMA Indigenous Council Member John Moses. Grand Chief Woodhouse Nepinak did not say if the AFN would look at purchasing the collection should HBC deny their requests to repatriate the items. 'We're going to hope and give them the benefit of the doubt today, that they will do right thing, and if there is hypotheticals later that we have to talk about, we could talk about it at that time,' she said. In a statement to Global News, Hudson's Bay vice-president of Corporate Communication and Heritage, Tiffany Bourre said, 'HBC's history is immensely significant and important to the country and the people of Canada. The company welcomes the ongoing dialogue and consultation as it relates to its art and artifacts. 'HBC is working with its advisors and the court-appointed monitor to ensure stakeholder interests and concerns are properly considered.'
Hamilton Spectator
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Grand chief requests halt to auction of Hudson's Bay items linked to First Nations
As Hudson's Bay heads to court seeking permission to auction off 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is requesting a halt to the sale of items that may belong to or be linked with First Nations people. A letter by assembly Grand Chief Kyra Wilson to the monitor for Hudson's Bay, which is operating under court protection from creditors under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, said there is 'deep concern' over the potential auction of artifacts from its collection. 'Given the nature and scope of HBC's long-standing relationship with First Nations, it is likely, if not certain, that many of the artifacts slated for auction are of profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to First Nations people,' Wilson said in the letter on Tuesday. 'Selling these items at auction without full transparency and consultation with impacted First Nations would not only be morally irresponsible but also represent a continuation of the colonial dispossession of First Nations' lands and belongings that the HBC directly profited from for centuries.' It is still unclear what specific artifacts could be included in the auction beyond the 355-year-old royal charter that launched the company. Hudson's Bay announced Wednesday it will liquidate all of its remaining stores and has previously said an auction 'is the most transparent, fair and efficient approach to monetize the art collection while recognizing and protecting its cultural and historical significance.' In addition to halting the sale or transfer of artifacts with possible links to First Nations, Wilson requested the full catalogue of items being considered for liquidation be made public. She also said there should be a First Nations-led review process. 'These artifacts are not simply 'valuable assets' or one-of-a-kind collectibles, but pieces of living history, some of which may be sacred, stolen from First Nations or properly First Nations-owned,' she wrote. Others have asked the company to transfer its royal charter to a public archival institution such as the Archives of Manitoba to ensure its preservation, rather than risk it being sold to a private buyer. The charter, granted by King Charles II in 1670, is 'one of the most significant archival documents that exists in Canada,' said Cody Groat, chair of the Canada Advisory Committee for Memory of the World, which is under the umbrella of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Groat called the document 'foundational' to discussions around political governance in Canada and treaty negotiations with Indigenous people. That's because the charter, which established Hudson's Bay as a fur trading company, also granted it 'semi-sovereign rights' which allowed it to operate both 'as a business entity and as a colonial government at the same time,' Groat said. 'So when we look at this, it's not just a document that established a business. It's a document that really created a unique political colonial structure in Canada.' Other Hudson's Bay artifacts have previously been donated to the Archives of Manitoba. In 2007, those received UNESCO's Memory of the World designation, meant to safeguard documents of historical and cultural importance. But the charter, which has remained in the company's possession, hasn't received that recognition. Groat said that to be designated, an item must be assessed to have been properly preserved according to archival conservation standards, and the general public must have reasonable access to it. 'What we're calling for is a recognition that this should not be viewed as just another corporate asset,' he said. 'If a private corporation buys it, it could be designated, but it entering a public institution is kind of how we know it's going to be preserved in a way that it ought to be preserved.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2025.
