The Property Council of Australia NT Division is deeply disappointed with the Government’s announcement today regarding the NT’s sentencing Laws.
Executive Director of the Property Council, Ruth Palmer said that while we acknowledge and welcome the changes to Trespass Act, we are deeply concerned with the changes to the Sentencing Laws.
“This is a clear sign that the NT Government has not listened or understood the community frustration and NT Police statistics.
“It is pretty evident according to statistics that we are in a crime crisis.
“The effect that crime is having on property and business is not only a cost factor, but it is also diminishing our chances for growth and retaining a stable population.
“We are constantly hearing and seeing the impact first-hand that property crime is having on business right across the Territory.
“It would be rare to talk to someone who has not been a victim of crime in the Territory.
“Today’s announcement on the Sentencing Laws is a major setback for the Territory and really shows that the government is out of touch.
“The government needs to back the courage of their conviction; they say their government stands for accountability and integrity.
“So, if these promised results do not materialise, are the relevant ministers willing to be held accountable and stand down?
“What we proposed earlier this year was a complete review of the current resources and programs that are in place and to identify what has been successful and what has not.
“Underused resources could have been allocated to services or programs that have been effective.
“Not only that, but we also have numerous recommendations from numerous reports that do not have any accountability metrics applied to them.
“What has actually been implemented and actioned?
“We also called for a review of the changes to the Liquor Act in 2019 that saw Public Intoxication and unacceptable behaviour removed from the Act.
“We believe that this is a criminal matter and should remain as such.
“We believe this will be a shock to the Territory community, especially in places like Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. This announcement could be seen as quite offensive to the victims of the crime, this includes our members, who are more often than not, left to clean up the mess behind from constant attacks.
“We know that this is a generational issue, and we know that there is plenty of work that needs to be done in this space, however, we hold grave concerns with this announcement.
Media contact: Ruth Palmer | M 0450 428 314 | E [email protected]