Chief Minister
Marie-Clare Boothby
Attorney General
Joint Media Release
CLP's new ram raid laws could land offenders in gaol for up to 10 years
7 October 2024
The CLP Government's new and promised ram raid laws, which carry up to 10 years gaol, are set to be introduced, debated, and passed in the first sittings of Parliament, commencing next Tuesday.
Under the new legislation, police will be able to charge offenders who have stolen a vehicle and used it as a weapon to damage property or gain entry to a building, with this brand-new offence which attracts up to 10 years behind bars. Some examples of 'property' are businesses, homes, police and private vehicles.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said only last week, the nation watched in horror when a stolen car in Alice Springs was used to ram a police vehicle.
"Had our legislation been in place, the offenders could have been dealt with under it, showing why we need to get this through the parliament," she said.
"Community safety is my government's No.1 priority, and Territorians have given us a mandate to deliver on new law and order measures to hold people accountable for their actions.
"We have seen too many businesses targeted by vehicles used as weapons in ram raids and we know the cost on Territorians, both financial and mental, has been too high."
Moil Supermarket owner Pradeep Palanisamy said a ram raid on his business last week left him disheartened after thousands of dollars of alcohol and cash were stolen.
"Only last week, my business in Moil was ram-raided by people driving a stolen vehicle, leaving an enormous damage bill for us, which is why I welcome these laws," he said.
Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby said the newly-elected CLP government would bring an enormous legislative agenda to the first sittings of Parliament.
"At the August election just six weeks ago, Territorians expressed loud and clear that crime was their No.1 concern," she said.
"The CLP promised you we would move swiftly to pass a series of laws relating to bail (Declan's Law), public drinking, assaults on workers, ram raids and knife crime in the first sittings of parliament, and we are ready."
