Anti-social laws 'just gimmick'

New anti-social legislation in the Territory was just a "pre-election gimmick", lawyers say.

Criminal Lawyers Association president John Lawrence said the NT Government had rushed through the introduction of itinerancy legislation to secure its passage through the Assembly before an election.

The Public Order and Anti-Social Conduct Bill was introduced last week by Police Minister Mike Reed.

It provides police with increased powers to move people on who are involved in anti-social activities and to enter properties where there has been a disturbance.

Mr Lawrence said his association had wanted to contribute to the debate, but Mr Reed had told him it could only see a copy of the Bill after it was put before Parliament.

Mr Lawrence said the legislation only marginally differed from existing laws, and was "just a pre-election gimmick".

He said: "Existing laws like the Liquor Act and the Summary Offences Act mean offences like public drinking or offensive conduct are already covered in the statutes.

"I don't see why, if there is such a problem, that it couldn't be overcome by sensible policing under the existing powers."

Drug users

The Top End Users' Forum, which represents intravenous drug users, has also attacked the new laws.

Convener Gary Meyerhoff said police had been given too much power.

He said: "Last year's juvenile and drug diversion initiatives are already fundamentally flawed, primarily due to the transfer of powers from magistrates to police officers."

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 16th June 2001
Author: Camden Smith
Source: Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2001 Northern Territory News