The Lawler Labor Government is determined to drive down crime and keep Territorians safe through common sense strategies.
Today, the Lawler Government passed new Curfew Legislation through the Legislative Assembly under the Police Legislation Amendment Bill 2024.
This Territory first legislation takes strong action to protect Territorians, enabling curfews to be enacted by the Northern Territory Police Force dependant on operational assessments made by the Police Commissioner.
These new powers provide Police with more flexibility to enact a curfew to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. It is not anticipated curfews will be used frequently, however, the Lawler Labor Government is providing police with the extra powers they need to keep Territorians safe.
If a situation arises where a curfew is the responsible course of action, the Police Commissioner can enact a curfew for a maximum of three days, with the option to extend to a maximum of seven days if approved by the Minister for Police.
Police do an incredible job to keep Territorians safe and the positive outcomes achieved through the Alice Springs Youth Curfew proved that curfews can be a highly effective and controlled community safety strategy.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister, Eva Lawler:
"My top priority is to keep Territorians safe and I will continue to make common sense decisions that support our police to do their job.
"There has been a lot of talk, over many years, about introducing a curfew in parts of the Territory. It was my Government that introduced the Youth Curfew in Alice Springs and it is my Government who have now passed new laws to keep Territorians safe.
"My Government will continue to take strong decisive action when it comes to keeping our communities safe, supporting Territorians with the cost of living and getting more Territorians working."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Police, Brent Potter:
"Police do an incredible job and this legislation will allow the force to enact their powers quicker and more effectively to keep Territorians safe.
"Curfews will be used when needed and when serious. We don't want Territorians living in fear."
Northern Territory Government
