CLP pledges to 'win back the streets'

The Country Liberal Party (CLP) has revealed plans to impose a youth curfew if it wins the Northern Territory election, saying it will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

Opposition Leader Denis Burke announced the policy at the weekend, saying it would include a public order act to "win back the streets" and supplement the Summary Offences Act.

Juveniles caught breaking the law or engaging in anti-social behaviour would be placed under a curfew.

Mr Burke says young people picked up by police will be dealt with in an appropriate diversionary program.

"Our aim is to keep juveniles out of the prison system," he said.

"We recognise there are good reasons for many young people to be out and about after dark.

"We are talking about those who engage in anti-social behaviour or break the law and for those individuals who are picked up by police, immediately there will be an after-dark curfew applied until they are properly dealt with."

There would be increased penalties for offenders who use firearms to commit crimes, also mandatory consecutive sentences for multiple violent crimes.

The party endorses a three-strikes policy for property offences where the third conviction for an adult would attract a minimum mandatory sentence.

There would also be new laws to protect nurses, police and emergency services workers.

The CLP would commit additional resources towards DNA forensics and create a judicial review committee.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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