Latest news with #GerardMaley
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Senseless violence': boy attack fast-tracks law reform
A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. 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 be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. 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. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the 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. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. 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 be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. 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. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the 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. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. 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 be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. 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. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the 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. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget. A shocking showground stabbing of a teenager has fast-tracked a crime-hit territory's youth justice crackdown. But the Northern Territory's proposed law changes have come under fire, with an advocacy group claiming they will likely increase offending. The Country Liberal Party government has vowed to table legislation "on urgency" to overhaul the Youth Justice Act when parliament sits from Tuesday. It comes just days after a 15-year-old was stabbed in front of stunned onlookers at the Royal Darwin Show on Saturday. The teenager remains in hospital in a serious condition. A 15-year-old has been charged, with police alleging the teen knew the victim and the alleged attack was not random. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley on Monday said the law changes would "put victims first, protect frontline staff and hold serious youth offenders to account". Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expected the "usual offender apologists" to criticise the crackdown. "But they should look Territorians in the eye and say that kids witnessing senseless violence at a family show is okay," she posted on social media on Sunday. "This is not normal. It is not acceptable. And under my government, it will not be tolerated." The alleged offender was charged with recklessly endangering life along with the possession, carry or use of a controlled weapon and remains in custody awaiting a bail review. 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 be expanded when legislation is passed in parliament. Advocacy group Justice Reform Initiative on Monday said removing detention as a last resort for children would increase the likelihood of future reoffending. It urged the government to instead address crime rates by tackling issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health conditions, unemployment, domestic violence and homelessness. "If tougher laws and punitive approaches to detention were going to build a safer community, the NT would already be the safest place in Australia," the initiative's Mindy Sotiri said. Opposition leader Selena Uibo described the proposed overhaul as "rushed, knee-jerk laws". "This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy, it's a stunt," she said. 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. Victoria and NSW have also introduced tougher bail laws. But the NT has what have been billed as the nation's harshest bail laws following 71-year-old Darwin grocer Linford Feick's fatal stabbing in April. Under the 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. The NT government committed a record $1.5 billion towards law-and-order spending in its May budget.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
NT Corrections Minister Gerard Maley speaking about Youth Justice Act changes
NT Corrections Minister Gerard Maley says changes to the Youth Justice Act will include the reintroduction of spit hoods, which are made of a translucent netting material with a cellophane interior that blocks spit. ( ABC News )
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Youth law reform fast-tracked after boy stabbed at show
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. 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. 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. 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.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Youth law reform fast-tracked after boy stabbed at show
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.
ABC News
5 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
NT government expands role of G4S private security guards to support overcrowded watch houses
In an expansion of private prison staff responsibilities in the Northern Territory, Department of Corrections employees have heard the duties performed by private security firm G4S will be increased. In March, the NT government signed a six-month contract with G4S to manage the transfer of Darwin prisoners. G4S security guards currently help to transfer inmates between prisons and the courts, as territory correctional staff face record prisoner numbers. Despite a recruitment drive for 202 new corrections officers to be employed inside prisons this financial year, NT Corrections Minister Gerard Maley has previously acknowledged the prison population is growing and that the government needs to expand the workforce. In an internal memo seen by the ABC, corrections staff were told Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley had signed a work order to expand the duties carried out by private security guards. "As we shape this next phase, we are working closely with G4S to determine what a Northern Territory-based G4S staffing model could look like." The United Workers Union (UWU), which represents corrections officers, has been strongly opposed to the NT's six-month arrangement with G4S since it began in March. UWU NT branch secretary Erina Early said although G4S guards had been assisting with prison transfers since that time, corrections staff had not seen any improvement to their working conditions. "It hasn't made much change to our correctional officers at all because the [prisoner] numbers are increasing," she said. "Bringing in G4S may relieve a couple of shifts, but it's not having the outcome that the government [is] hoping for." Ms Early said union members were worried for "the safety of the prisoners and also safety of the police" — who have a different skillset to correctional officers — and held concerns the expansion of G4S's services signalled growing privatisation in the NT's corrections system. "They've been saying this since it was announced by Commissioner Matthew Varley, that G4S were coming in — as soon as you have them in, it's like a cancer, they will spread," she said. "They have been taking more and more roles." Corrections Minister Gerard Maley last month told the ABC that privatising the entire NT prison system was not on the government's radar. "There are private firms that run prisons in their entirety, that's not our plan at all," he said. "Our plan is to make sure that we have highly trained officers behind the wire, and then independent contractors such as G4S doing the services outside that." The NT's corrections department has been housing a growing number of prisoners in police watch houses in recent months, due to capacity constraints at territory prisons. Earlier this week, there were about 100 people being held inside the Palmerston police watch house, including overflow corrections prisoners. G4S is part of American private security giant Allied Universal, which employs more than 800,000 people internationally and generates about $20 billion in annual revenue. The company describes itself as a "global leader in security". Security guards employed by G4S in Australia mainly work in prisons and detention centres. The firm has operated Victoria's largest maximum security prison, Port Phillip Prison, since it opened in 1997. A 2018 report by the Victorian auditor-general's office found "serious incidents" at Port Phillip Prison, including assaults and drug use, and "exposed weaknesses in how G4S … manage safety and security risks". A Victorian coroner recently recommended G4S improve staff training following the "preventable" 2022 death of an Aboriginal man in his prison cell. Port Phillip Prison is due to close by the end of this year. Last year, G4S reached a confidential settlement with the parents of an Iranian asylum seeker, who was fatally bashed by guards at a Manus Island offshore detention centre in 2014. The company was also fined over its role in the death of an Aboriginal elder, who overheated in the back of a prison van in remote Western Australia in 2008. It is not yet clear how much the NT government's contract with G4S has cost the public.
