The Northern Territory Council of Social Service is deeply concerned about new laws that were rushed into parliament last week that will make it easier to impose curfews.
Key groups were not consulted including the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APO NT), the justice sector nor the social and community services NTCOSS represents as the peak body.
It will grant an unprecedented concentration of power and few checks and balances on what is a reasonable, necessary and a proportionate response.
A legislative approach has been taken instead of investing in measures to assist people experiencing disadvantage in our community.
The Bill introduces powers that have the real potential to bring people including young people into contact with police and for them to become enmeshed in the criminal justice system.
The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner (ADC) was not consulted despite the Bill enabling the suspension of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991(the Act).
“The suspension of the Anti-Discrimination Act is recognition that it is aimed at those the Act aims to assist and protect,” NTCOSS chief executive officer Sally Sievers said.
“The real hard work that must be done and real accountability to the NT community is addressing the causes of offending and working with the community on solutions that support youth and families and will provide long term answers.”
This Bill does not include a requirement to consult others with broader expertise, including community elders and community leaders. There is no requirement for community voices to be heard or community solutions considered before declaring a curfew.
“The approach does not address the causes of why people, particularly young people, are maybe on the streets, like unsafe homes, domestic and family violence, overcrowded and substandard housing,” Ms Sievers said.
Contact Greg Roberts 0429 515 013 or media@ntcoss.org.au
