The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today introduced the Attorney-General's Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to Northern Territory Parliament.
The Bill proposes to amend various pieces of legislation within the Attorney-General's Department portfolio.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the Bill would streamline laws, cut red tape, and modernise legal processes, making it easier to do business while strengthening laws to protect Territorians.
"Our government is committed to cutting red tape and making it easier to do business, and this Bill will enhance efficiencies across a range of legislation and across the legal landscape," she said.
"While the amendments may not be extensive enough to warrant their own amendment Bill, they are essential to keeping legislation current and accurate."
Key reforms within the Bill include:
Tackling crime: Tightening restrictions on dangerous drugs such as fentanyl by classifying it as a 'Schedule 1' substance and improving sentencing laws to ensure better sentencing outcomes. The maximum sentence for supply of a commercial quantity of a Schedule 1 drug is 25 years.Boosting business efficiency: Introducing e-Conveyancing, a modernised digital process to streamline property transactions and reduce unnecessary paperwork.Improving service delivery: Allowing key decision-makers to delegate authority in legal and health matters to create more timely outcomes for Territorians.Enhancing accountability: Strengthening background check requirements for Justices of the Peace to make sure only fit and proper individuals hold these positions, by ensuring the current practises of obtaining a National Police Check are maintained.Promoting fairness in the legal system: Ensuring successful parties in the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) are entitled to recover costs for filing and serving documents.
"Justice system reform is a top priority for our government, and we're focused on legislation amendments to improve general legal application and generate efficiencies in the criminal justice process," said Ms Boothby.
"Labor sat back and watched while our justice system unravelled, but we are working to restore law and order.
"We are proud to continue making changes which will deliver on our promise of action, certainty and security for Territorians."
The Attorney-General's Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 has been referred to the scrutiny committee and will seek passage in May 2025 sittings.
