The upcoming Northern Territory election presents a real opportunity for all sides of politics to commit to a fairer and more just territory, say local lawyers.
Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) Northern Territory President Cathy Spurr said the organisation has outlined four areas of policy and law reform for consideration by candidates from political parties and independent candidates vying for election or re-election.
"This election is a valuable opportunity for all parties to ensure we get the balance right regarding justice in our state. We have written to the candidates from political parties and independent candidates highlighting our key priorities and asking for them to share their views on these issues," said Ms Spurr.
The priorities the ALA is focused on are: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice, abuse law reform, protecting human rights and freedoms in the Northern Territory, and raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
"There is an urgent need to implement strong legislative human rights protections for all people in the NT," said Ms Spurr. "We are calling for a legislative human rights instrument that will ensure all Territorians are treated with dignity and respect. Currently, most human rights are largely unenforceable and remedies for their breach unavailable.
"We are also calling on parties and candidates to commit to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the NT to 14 years, rather than 12 years under the current legislation. There must also be sufficient resources in place for alternative programs for children, instead of processing them through the criminal justice system.
"If children are to be detained, then they cannot be detained in the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, which is not fit for purpose.
"Law reform is also urgently needed to resolve compensation claims fairly for people who have suffered sexual abuse as a child, including in an NT institution. There is urgent attention needed to prevent abuse as the risk of harm is ongoing and concerning.
"Work is also needed to ensure that victim survivors of abuse making compensation claims are being responded to in a timely manner, particularly in relation to accessing their own records.
"As a community we can do better, and we are calling on all candidates in the upcoming Northern Territory election to aspire to creating a community that treats everyone, including those most vulnerable, with fairness and respect."
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