Robust Agenda Set for Final Parliamentary Week

NT Government

The CLP Government will introduce a comprehensive schedule of legislation for the final parliamentary sitting week of the year, commencing Tuesday.

The First Home Owner Grant Amendment Bill 2024 and Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Amendment (Validation) Bill 2024 are two significant legislative priorities to be debated this sitting.

The First Home Owner Grant Amendment Bill 2024 implements the CLP Government's HomeGrown Territory program, which provides up to $50,000 for first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home.

The Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Amendment (Validation) Bill 2024 addresses longstanding issues with the enforcement of unpaid fines and penalties.

Other legislation to be introduced will include a Bill to remove the alcohol floor price.

Scrapping the alcohol floor price was a key election promise of the CLP and is part of the Government's commitment to tackle the scourge of alcohol-related harm, crime, and violence.

Leader of Government Business Steve Edgington said: "The minimum floor price has not delivered tangible benefits because it has driven people to higher content alcohol products such as spirits, and that is why we are getting rid of it."

"We've already passed public nuisance drinking laws, which gives our police stronger powers to fine, charge, and arrest offenders in prohibited areas while ensuring those individuals are issued a seven-day Banned Drinker Order," he said.

In Parliament this week, Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Robyn Cahill will provide a ministerial report on the issue of domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory.

"The CLP Government will comprehensively review today's Coronial recommendations into the tragic deaths of four Aboriginal women at the hands of their partners," said Ms Cahill.

"This inquest began 17 months ago, and it is critical we do not rush our response and take the time to work through it and engage with stakeholders.

"As an immediate response to preventing domestic violence, the 'Reducing Crime' package we introduced in the first sittings of Parliament have already been assented into law, which includes a presumption against bail for serious violent offenders."

The CLP Government will spend $180 million over five years to respond to domestic and family violence.

"There is an absolute commitment to allocate this money where it is most needed," said Ms Cahill.

"There is broad consultation being undertaken with the sector. This will guide how funding is allocated to ensure the best chance of delivering the right outcomes."

The final sitting week will also include motions to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and Cyclone Tracy, and a condolence motion for Nick Dondas AM, a legendary figure in Northern Territory politics who passed away last month.

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