This week marks two years since Declan’s Law passed the Parliament, and encouraging results show the reforms are slowing the revolving door of offending.
Bail refusals are up 55%, with over 3800 high-risk individuals off the streets, while offending on bail continues to decline.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is putting victims first, holding offenders accountable, and restoring community safety, with much more work to do.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s landmark Declan’s Law has kept more than 3,800 high-risk individuals – including 1,200 youth offenders – off Territory streets in its first two years in operation.
Two years ago this week, the Finocchiaro CLP Government introduced Declan’s Law – a series of bail and crime reforms which formed the centrepiece of the Government’s first tranche of strong law and order measures to combat Labor’s crime crisis.
The changes came in the wake of Labor’s crime crisis during which Declan Laverty, 20, was murdered at the hands of an offender out on bail.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Declan’s Law was delivering real results.
“Declan’s tragic death in March 2023 marked a turning point for the Territory,” the Chief Minister said.
“Declan’s death shocked and horrified all Territorians, particularly because the man who killed him was on bail for a violent prior offence and had an extensive criminal history.
“This appalling crime exposed a broken bail system shaped under the previous Labor Government that continually failed our communities. It exposed a justice system that was too often on the side of offenders rather than victims.
“Declan’s Law has become far more than legislation. Declan’s Law has become a legacy, and Declan’s legacy is a safer Territory for all.”
The Chief Minister said Declan Laverty’s tragic murder stirred thousands of Territorians to demand an end to Labor’s crime crisis.
“Declan’s mother Samara Laverty bravely sparked a movement for change,” the Chief Minister said.
“Her movement led to a mandate for the CLP to introduce strong law and order measures, with Declan’s Law at their centre. Strong bail laws, real consequences, and practical support for police.”
“Declan’s Law is making our communities safer.”
“Declan’s legacy is a safer Territory – and we’re only getting started.”
The latest data shows the positive impact of Declan’s Law:
Police bail refusals are up 55% compared to before the reforms were introducedOffending on bail has reduced by 23%, with a 50% decrease in youth offending on bail compared to 2024Police have wanded over 35,000 people, removing 413 weapons from our streets including 250 knives and edged weapons.Crimes involving edged weapons have declined by 12%.300 offences perpetrated by 10- and 11-year old offenders are facing prosecution – offenders who would otherwise have evaded justice.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby paid tribute in Parliament to Declan’s mother, Samara Laverty, for leading the campaign for change.
“Samara Laverty is one of the bravest women the Territory has ever known. In the face of unimaginable grief, she chose to stand up and say ‘enough is enough’,” the Attorney-General said.
“In Declan Laverty, Territorians saw the human cost of a justice system which Labor recklessly dismantled. In Samara’s determination, Territorians found the courage to fight for real change.
“We’re finally beginning to turn the tide, as the stats and stories show, but there’s much more work to do. We will never forget why these laws were introduced, or the young man whose name they carry.”
Samara Laverty welcomed the progress, saying she would keep advocating.
“I’m pleased to see some real improvements as a result of Declan’s Law, and that’s what Declan’s legacy is all about. There’s more work to do, and I’ll keep advocating so that no other family has to go through what we’ve been through.”
Declan’s Law was the cornerstone of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s first package of strong law and order measures, including:
Stronger bail laws and wanding powers under ‘Declan’s Law’Mandatory minimum sentences for assaulting workersNew offences for ram raids and posting and boasting onlineLowering the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10, andAdditional powers to tackle nuisance public drinking and knife crime.
