The newly elected CLP Government has delivered on its 'Reducing Crime' agenda in their first sittings of Parliament.
As promised before and after the August election, new legislation in five key areas have been passed in the CLP's first five days of Parliament since winning power.
Today, new workplace assault legislation was passed, finalising a suite of new crime-reducing reforms including Declan's Law, lowering the age of criminal responsibility, and new ram raid, posting and boasting, and new nuisance public drinking laws.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the CLP Government had delivered on its promise to Territorians to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our unique lifestyle.
"We said this first sittings of Parliament would be a turning point for the Territory, and that's what we have done," she said.
"We make no apologies for our swift and decisive action to make the Territory safer. The crime crisis needs a crisis response."
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said: "People who do the wrong thing will face consequences, and stronger laws will act as a deterrent."
"If you don't do the wrong thing, you have nothing to worry about," she said.
Mr Edgington added: "We have delivered on the clear mandate given to us by Territorians and our CLP Government will continue on its path of reducing crime, rebuilding our economy, and restoring lifestyle for all Territorians."
The new worker assault legislation which passed Parliament today means:
POLICE OFFICERS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Assault on a frontline worker (police and emergency services) where physical harm is caused, or spitting on a person is involved in the offending, will now carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 months imprisonment. This will also apply to first time offenders. Previously, there was no mandatory minimum sentence if the offence involved spitting. Previously, there was no mandatory minimum sentence for a first-time offender.Assault on a frontline worker (police or emergency services) where no physical harm is caused, will attract a mandatory Community Corrections Order that requires community work to be undertaken by the offender. This will also apply to first time offenders. Previously, there was no mandatory minimum sentence.
ANY WORKER
Assault of any worker carrying out their duties if there is physical harm and a prior violence offence will now have a mandatory minimum sentence of a term of actual imprisonment. Previously, there was no mandatory minimum sentence for assaulting an NT worker.Assault of any worker carrying out their duties if there is physical harm and a first offence, will attract a mandatory Community Corrections Order that requires community work to be undertaken by the offender. Previously, there was no mandatory minimum sentence.
