Today the Territory Labor Government announced a number of initiatives to further protect victims and businesses from crime and antisocial behaviour.
These initiatives ensure victims are at the forefront of Governments response to tackling issues in our community. The initiatives include:
$2 million for more Support for Victims of Crime NT
The Territory Labor Government will invest an additional $2 million into the Victims of Crime NT.
The funds will allow Victims of Crime to enhance and expand their support to more Territorians right across the Territory, along with providing more financial assistance for vehicle and home resecuring and community safety projects.
This brings the total annual funding for Victims of Crime to $3.25 million.
Amendments to the Trespass Act
Government will amend the Trespass Act 1978 to make the process of issuing and enforcing trespass orders more streamline.
Currently trespass orders need to be issued by landlords or business owners or management. Government will expand these powers to more employees including security guards.
Government will also remove the ‘second chance’ warning for people who breach their trespass order. If an individual returns to a premises within the breach period they will immediately be fined $3,080. Subsequent breaches can result in arrest and imprisonment.
Biz Secure Program Blitz
Government will ramp up the highly successful Biz Secure program in the lead up to Christmas and continue the reduced co-contribution amounts for businesses wanting to make a range of permanent security improvements to their premises.
NT Businesses can currently access up to $15,000 with a reduced co-contribution of 25%.
The Biz Secure Blitz will see:
Fast tracking of any current applications;Intensive one-on-one support for businesses currently trying to put applications through, and follow up on businesses who still haven’t finished their application; andCutting red-tape by creating a list of pre-approved standard improvements that can be funded without the need of a security audit.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“We will always ensure victims are at the forefront of any government response to crime and anti-social behaviour.
“No Government has invested more into tackling these complex issues. We are investing in immediate short term solutions along with long term measures to address the root causes of crime.
“We are listening to victims and the community and making improvements right across the Territory – because we know Territorians want to see action.”
Northern Territory Government
