Cutting Crime: Youth Justice & Related Legislation Amendment Act Comes Into Effect

Amendments to the Youth Justice & Related Legislation Amendment Act has now come into effect, which ensures that young people who commit a crime do the time, and they do it sooner.

The amendments were passed in Parliament in September last year and are supported by Police and Courts, as it ensures that they don’t get drowned in paperwork and that offenders face tough consequences as soon as possible.

The amendments also make it easier for Police to refer young people to programs where they face the consequences of their actions, like boot camps and victim conferencing.

As stated by Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield

“Every Territorian has the right to feel safe and expect their homes, businesses and property to be secure. Every single day this Government is listening to the concerns of Territorians and we are taking action.

“There are no excuses for committing a crime – and we’ve made changes so there can be no excuses for offenders to face the consequences of their actions as soon as possible.

“Instead of being caught up in the process, Police can now bring young offenders to the court quicker, courts can make decisions quicker, and offenders will face the tough consequences quicker.

“This is unlike the CLP who slashed funding for youth services, created a dysfunctional and failing system that led to a Royal Commission, and had no plans to address youth crime and prevent reoffending. Rather than being a part of the solutions, they are blatantly scaring Territorians.”

/Public Release. View in full here.