CLP’s Youth Justice Risks More Harm Than Good
Chansey Paech • July 28, 2025
The CLP’s so-called "decisive action" on youth justice does nothing more than guarantee future generations of Territorians will be impacted by worsening crime rates.
The CLP’s so-called "decisive action" on youth justice does nothing more than guarantee future generations of Territorians will be impacted by worsening crime rates.
The CLP's approach is a return to failed, punitive policies that have been shown to do more harm than good to victims, communities, and young people.
By gutting key safeguards in the Youth Justice Act, the Finocchiaro Government is not fixing a broken system, it is breaking it even further.
These rushed changes ignore years of expert evidence, community voices, and the lived experience of those on the frontline, both workers and victims of crime.
No one is suggesting that bad and criminal behaviour should not have consequences. But those consequences should not lead to creating more criminals, and making our community less safe.
Let’s be clear:
- Removing detention as a last resort means locking up children before exhausting all other options including programs that address the root causes of crime. This isn’t justice. It’s political posturing at the expense of young lives.
- Allowing the use of spit hoods and force risks retraumatising already vulnerable kids, many of whom are themselves victims of violence, abuse, and systemic neglect.
For the CLP its not about community safety. It is about headlines, political posturing and blame.
The CLP talks tough but fails to invest in what actually works - early interventions, therapeutic responses, restorative justice, and proper support for victims.
Instead, they scapegoat children to distract from broader failings in housing, education, mental health, community safety and support, the very things that can prevent crime in the first place.
Territorians want solutions that work to make us safer, not recycled spin.
We all need a justice system that puts victims first and gives young people a chance to turn their lives around. The CLP’s approach does neither.
This is not leadership. It is lazy Lia and her poser politics that fail all Territorians.
A Bill to be introduced into Parliament today offers greater protections to victim survivors of domestic and family violence. Announced by Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden, the proposed reforms in the Justice Legislation Amendment (Domestic and Family Violence) Bill 2023 include: clearer and stronger powers for police and courts; broader definitions of domestic violence, and domestic and family relationships ; increased accountability for domestic and family violence offenders; stronger provisions to consider the safety and wellbeing of children; measures to address coercive control in alignment with national principles; and improved access to information-sharing practices in the justice system. The Bill - guided by the Northern Territory’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028: Safe, Respected and Free from Violence - follows an extensive review of the legislation and justice responses to domestic and family violence, and consultation with the sector and support services. Around $55 million per year is invested into the Territory’s domestic, family, and sexual violence response. Quotes attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech: “The Territory Labor Government is proposing a raft of legislative reforms that prioritise the safety of Territorians and modernise our legislation. “These laws, to be debated during Parliamentary Sittings in November, will improve justice responses for victim survivors of domestic and family violence and provide stronger measures to hold offenders to account.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden: “The rate of domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory is three times higher than the national average. That’s completely unacceptable and it’s why our Government is planning stronger protections for our victim survivors.” “Through these proposed reforms, the Territory Labor Government continues to demonstrate our long-term, sustained commitment to addressing domestic, family and sexual violence.” Media Contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127
Arts organisations across the NT will have the stability to plan, develop and showcase arts programs and services, thanks to a $23 million investment from the Territory Labor Government. Applications are now open as part of the Arts Grants Program which offers funding for five years from 2025-2029. Grants of up to $250,000 per year are available for established arts organisations under the Leading Arts Organisation category; and up to $50,000 per year for small arts organisations under the Key Arts Organisation category. The funding is available to arts organisations that have a track record of delivering innovative projects and high-quality arts programs and services. Government partnerships with arts organisations are important to the Territory’s social and cultural future because they help to empower artists; amplify the impact of the arts; and foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Investing in the arts is also valuable to the NT economy with 23 arts organisations currently funded under the five-year program. This provides employment to more than 3000 artists and creatives, and delivers programs and services to around two million people. For more information visit here . Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech: “The Territory Labor Government recognises the crucial role that arts organisations play in fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural expression. “As key partners in the arts sector, these organisations deliver arts programs and services to ensure all Territorians can learn, create and thrive through the arts. “Our Government is proud to invest in arts and cultural programs that ensure all Territorians can participate in innovative and compelling arts and cultural experiences.” Media Contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127
The Northern Territory’s flagship National Aboriginal Art Gallery is one step closer with concept designs released. Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech and National Reference Group co-chair Franchesca Cubillo unveiled the designs by BVN Architecture and local architects Susan Dugdale & Associates. The Territory Labor Government has invested $69 million to develop the new National Aboriginal Art Gallery to be located in Alice Springs (Mparntwe). The Australian Government has invested a further $80 million into the project. The Northern Territory is world renowned for its rich Aboriginal cultural history and the modern, state of the art Gallery will exclusively house First Nations artwork. The gallery will showcase the stories and artwork of one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, brought together under one roof in the spiritual heart of the nation and the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal art. Features of the gallery include a cultural welcoming circle, top floor event space with spectacular views, healing gardens, ground floor cafe, Kwatye (water) Play and an impressive four-level atrium. It will provide opportunities for local participation in arts programs, events and festivals, ensuring the gallery serves as a vibrant hub for the community. The project will create economic benefits to the community with up to 260 full time jobs created during construction and once operational, is expected to attract visitors from around Australia and the world. Concept designs will now be refined and prepared for a construction tender process later this year. The National Aboriginal Art Gallery project team will be holding project and design information sessions throughout August and September 2023. To view the concept designs and to find out more see here . Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech: “The gallery overlooks the picturesque Lhere Mparntwe and its design embodies a profound connection to Country. “The gallery will stand as an iconic architectural statement driving tourism, enhancing liveability, and providing social and economic benefits, creating a lasting positive impact.” Quotes attributable to National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group Co-Chair Franchesca Cubillo: “This remarkable gallery shines a spotlight on the beauty, power and importance of Aboriginal art and provides a unique space in which to preserve First Nations peoples’ storytelling and share their timeless stories through art and culture." “I’m proud to see the gallery come to life, a visual masterpiece that will strengthen the public recognition of Aboriginal art and pay tribute to the valuable contribution it has made in shaping our cultural identity.” Photos: Concept designs of the planned National Aboriginal Art Gallery. Media Contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127
Palya, werte, ngutja, hello! Welcome to our July edition of Gwoja News.
Rebuilds and Repairs in Top End Flood-Affected Communities
Territory Labor addresses the Housing Shortages Outbush
Having the power to make decisions about what happens in your community is critical. It's why we are partnering with Aboriginal communities to transition government services and programs back into the hands of the community.
Remote Sports upgrade to Kaltukatjara Football Oval
Territory Labor's $256 million Commitment to Housing across Central Australia
OPENING OF THE NTARIA | HERMANNSBURG LIGHTS
