Youth bail crackdown not tough enough for NT opposition, as Labor rushes changes through Parliament

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Controversial changes making it harder for young people to get bail have been fast-tracked into law, despite condemnation by health and legal groups and opposition claims the changes don't go far enough.

The changes finalised last week create the "automatic" revocation of bail for reoffending or condition breaches, remove the presumption of bail for first-time offenders and block courts from referring a young person back to police for diversion if police deem it unsuitable.

She said criticism of the changes by Labor figures "show just how far in favour of the offender you are" and said the change flagged on Tuesday showed the government had failed to deliver on a promise of tougher policies. The government hit back at the opposition's criticism, with Territory Families Minister Kate Worden telling Parliament "diversity" in the party made for "great debate" and decision-making.She said Labor had overhauled the youth justice system since the youth detention royal commission and created more support for young people and families at risk.

"This bill sets the path for everyone to walk on — a path that says it's OK to lock up kids," he said.Territory Attorney-General and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said Labor was addressing the "very real issue" of repeat offending by a small number of young people.

 

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