LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION | SELENA UIBO MLA
CLP’s rushed youth justice laws are a dangerous backward step
For four days, the CLP Government has claimed that its rushed youth justice legislation will fix the Territory’s crime crisis. But what they’ve delivered today won’t reduce crime, won’t reduce reoffending and won’t keep Territorians safe.
The truth is simple, these changes do nothing to prevent youth crime from happening in the first place or re-offending in the future. This is the fourth time in less than a year the CLP has rewritten the Youth Justice Act
on urgency. Every time, they’ve failed to consult with the frontline. And every time, crime has gotten worse.
This latest move is nothing more than chaos disguised as policy, a kneejerk reaction to mounting public pressure, not a real plan to break the cycle of youth offending. Stripping away basic sentencing principles and ramping up punitive measures might grab headlines, but it does nothing to change the root causes of crime. This is a government trying to fix crime with press releases and panic.
If the Finocchiaro Government was serious about tackling crime, it would fund the preventative programs, diversion services and youth boot camps it promised during the election campaign. Instead, they’ve gutted services, ignored communities, and are now rewriting laws in desperation to cover their failure.
The Opposition believes in a justice system that keeps people safe, but also one that works. And the CLP’s current approach is failing on every front. Territorians want safety, accountability, and real outcomes, not another round of rushed laws that treat symptoms while ignoring the cause. The Government must front up, stump up the money, and get serious about long-term investment in crime prevention or they will keep failing Territorians and making our communities less safe.
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
The CLP Government has made it clear: the Territory Investment Summit is the centrepiece of their economic strategy. So where was the Treasurer? While investors gathered to talk about rebuilding the economy, the Territory’s First Minister for the Economy, Treasurer Bill Yan, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the Government sent a junior Minister with no economic responsibilities to manage the summit. This is the same Treasurer who went fishing while the Territory’s Budget papers were being finalised — and now refuses to say whether he was fishing again instead of doing his job at the Territory’s most important economic event. Is Bill Yan the Treasurer, or just another absentee passenger in a Government running on autopilot? Either the Chief Minister deliberately sidelined her own Treasurer, or Bill Yan once again decided to cast a line instead of showing up for work. Whichever way you look at it, the message to investors is clear: this Government is not serious about economic leadership. If the Chief Minister has lost confidence in her Treasurer, she should say so. And if Bill Yan can’t be trusted to show up for the Territory’s premier investment event, why should Territorians trust him to manage the Budget?
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
Territorians are rightfully concerned that instead of taking real steps to improve community safety, the CLP Government is attacking the Northern Territory Coroner — a respected, independent officer of the court — in what appears to be a desperate attempt to deflect from its own failings. In recent days, the Chief Minister, the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, and even the Deputy Chief Minister have either criticised the Coroner or refused to express confidence in her — a disgraceful display of political cowardice. When faced with serious findings and recommendations from the Coroner, responsible leaders reflect and act. The CLP's response? Lash out and attack the messenger. This isn’t leadership — it’s deflection. It’s the behaviour of a Government with no solutions, no substance, and no respect for the institutions that hold power to account. Rather than owning up to their failures — whether it’s cuts to domestic violence shelters, rising crime, or a crumbling justice system — the CLP would rather attack an independent officer of the court who is doing her job: investigating the facts and telling the truth. The Coroner’s job is to expose systemic issues and recommend change. That’s uncomfortable for governments, especially one that has failed to deliver. But it’s no excuse to undermine the integrity of her work or question her independence. Territorians expect accountability. They expect action. What they’re getting from the CLP is blame-shifting, bullying, and finger-pointing. The CLP Government has no credible plan to make our communities safer, no strategy to improve the justice system, and no willingness to accept responsibility. So instead, they attack the Coroner. This is not just weak — it’s dangerous. Because when governments turn on watchdogs, they’re not just trying to protect themselves. They’re trying to silence the very people who speak up for victims, families and communities.
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
The CLP Government’s push to water down the Northern Territory’s anti-discrimination laws is not about protecting “freedoms” — it’s about protecting hate speech. Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby today claimed the changes are about “restoring freedom,” yet failed to name a single right or freedom that has been curtailed under the existing Act. If the CLP believe there are certain slurs, insults or offensive views they’re unable to say publicly, perhaps they should stop hiding behind press releases and use parliamentary privilege to spell them out clearly. Instead of standing up for everyday Territorians ,for people who deserve to live without being humiliated, intimidated or vilified for who they are, the CLP are defending the rights of keyboard warriors to cause harm under the guise of free speech. The laws passed by the previous Labor Government were designed to protect people from public acts that were objectively likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate based on a protected attribute including race, sexuality, gender, disability or religion. The CLP’s new “higher threshold” isn’t about clarity, it’s about letting more hate go unchallenged. This is a government more interested in fuelling culture wars than keeping Territorians safe. They’ve done it without producing a single example of how the current protections have gone too far, just vague scare tactics and baseless slogans. Labor will always stand with the communities that are most affected by discrimination, not with those who seek to excuse or enable it.
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
The Territory Labor Opposition will today move a Matter of Public Importance (MPI) in Parliament, calling out the CLP Government’s growing list of broken promises, reckless funding cuts and failure to provide a clear economic vision for the Northern Territory. Since coming to power in August 2024, the CLP has walked away from multiple key election commitments, many with no notice, no consultation, and no explanation to the communities affected. Among the broken promises and failures Territory Labor will highlight: Scrapping the underground power project for Darwin’s northern suburbs Gutting land servicing works associated with a new 120-bed residential aged are facility in the Palmerston Regional Health Precinct. Walking away from their own climate change and renewables targets Failing to deliver on community safety, with crime rates rising across the Territory Slashing $12 million in promised funding to Aboriginal ranger groups Secretly scrapping funding for a new health clinic in Gunbalanya Meanwhile, the 2025-26 Budget delivers deep cuts to critical infrastructure across roads, health, education and domestic violence services with no clear economic plan to grow jobs or support Territory families. Territorians are being left in the dark by a Government that refuses to front up and explain its decisions. The Opposition is calling on the CLP Government to finally be honest with Territorians and front up to the people they’ve let down.
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
Territorians were promised a safer Territory within 100 days of the CLP Government taking office. We’re now well past that deadline, and crime is still rising. Over the weekend, a 15-year-old was stabbed at the Darwin Show, one of the Territory’s most iconic family events. No parent should have to fear sending their child to a community event. This is the fourth time in under a year that the CLP has rewritten justice laws on urgency. Each time, they’ve ignored expert advice. And each time, crime has gotten worse. These rushed, kneejerk laws are chaos disguised as policy — no consultation, no evidence, no real plan. The CLP talks tough but acts recklessly. They’ve cut support for victims, scrapped the Minimum Unit Price making alcohol cheaper, and failed to roll our preventative programs they promised like boot camps. The Opposition has supported a number of the CLP’s law changes, including those passed on urgency, but we cannot continue to support a government that refuses to govern transparently or consult the community. This law-and-order agenda is not a strategy , it’s a stunt. And every time the CLP pats themselves on the back, the Territory community pays the price. If the Government is serious about tackling crime, they must sit down with police, frontline workers, communities and experts to develop real, evidence-based solutions, not just repeat failed policies and hope for a different outcome. Lia Finocchiaro isn’t leading, she’s lashing out. When Territorians demand answers and accountability, she attacks them instead of doing her job Territorians deserve more than soundbites and scapegoats. They deserve a government that listens, leads, and delivers real safety.
By Danielle Fourie
•
August 20, 2025
Territorians are rightfully concerned that instead of taking real steps to improve community safety, the CLP Government is attacking the Northern Territory Coroner — a respected, independent officer of the court — in what appears to be a desperate attempt to deflect from its own failings. In recent days, the Chief Minister, the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, and even the Deputy Chief Minister have either criticised the Coroner or refused to express confidence in her — a disgraceful display of political cowardice. When faced with serious findings and recommendations from the Coroner, responsible leaders reflect and act. The CLP's response? Lash out and attack the messenger. This isn’t leadership — it’s deflection. It’s the behaviour of a Government with no solutions, no substance, and no respect for the institutions that hold power to account. Rather than owning up to their failures — whether it’s cuts to domestic violence shelters, rising crime, or a crumbling justice system — the CLP would rather attack an independent officer of the court who is doing her job: investigating the facts and telling the truth. The Coroner’s job is to expose systemic issues and recommend change. That’s uncomfortable for governments, especially one that has failed to deliver. But it’s no excuse to undermine the integrity of her work or question her independence. Territorians expect accountability. They expect action. What they’re getting from the CLP is blame-shifting, bullying, and finger-pointing. The CLP Government has no credible plan to make our communities safer, no strategy to improve the justice system, and no willingness to accept responsibility. So instead, they attack the Coroner. This is not just weak — it’s dangerous. Because when governments turn on watchdogs, they’re not just trying to protect themselves. They’re trying to silence the very people who speak up for victims, families and communities.
By Danielle Fourie
•
August 20, 2025
The CLP Government has today issued a self-congratulatory media release on crime statistics, despite the fact that violent crime in the Northern Territory is getting worse. Adult sexual assault is up 25 per cent. Child sexual assault is up 2 per cent. Serious assault is up 4 per cent. Assaults on frontline workers are up 12 per cent. Instead of fronting up and explaining these shameful figures, Lia Finocchiaro is trying to hoodwink Territorians with spin-filled press releases before the official statistics are even released publicly. Only the CLP could think it’s appropriate to take a victory lap while sexual assaults, serious assaults and attacks on frontline workers are rising. This is not leadership, it’s political PR at its worst. The Territory Labor Opposition will continue to hold this Government to account for its failure to keep Territorians safe. Our communities deserve honesty, real solutions, and a genuine plan to bring crime down, not more empty headlines from a Government obsessed with its own image.
By Danielle Fourie
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August 20, 2025
Member for Daly, Dheran Young, today joined residents and community leaders to celebrate the official opening of the new Mandorah Marine Facilities — a major project funded and largely delivered by the previous Territory Labor Government. The new ferry terminal, ferry pontoon, car park, boat trailer park and boat ramp are now open to the public, with SeaLink ferry services operating from the new pontoon from this morning. The project represents a significant investment in community infrastructure that will benefit residents of Wagait Beach, Belyuen and visitors for decades to come. It was a proud day for the community, with the new facilities making travel safer, more accessible and more reliable for locals, visitors and workers. It was the previous Labor Government that committed the funding and oversaw the delivery of this vital infrastructure, and we are pleased to see it completed for the benefit of the region. The new facilities are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, improving access for people with disability, parents with prams, and anyone needing mobility assistance. Two breakwater structures provide protection from sea swells, creating a calmer berthing environment for ferries, while upgrades to parking and passenger facilities improve convenience and comfort. Mr Young also thanked the project’s builder, SMC Marine, for their role in delivering the new facilities to a high standard. He said that investing in infrastructure like this isn’t just about bricks and mortar it is about creating safer journeys, supporting tourism, and giving locals the facilities they deserve. We call on the Country Liberal Government to continue building on Labor’s record of delivering vital community infrastructure right across the Territory. The former Mandorah Jetty will no longer be used for ferry services, with all passengers now boarding and disembarking at the new pontoon. The old jetty can still be used for fishing.
By Danielle Fourie
•
August 20, 2025
Leader of the Opposition Selena Uibo has today announced a refreshed Shadow Ministry, coinciding with the first year of this term of Parliament and reflecting Labor’s commitment to listening to Territorians and presenting a positive, forward-looking vision for the Northern Territory. Territorians have been clear – they want an Opposition that not only holds the Government to account, but one that proposes real solutions and a constructive pathway forward. Over the past 12 months, we have listened. Over the next 12 months, we will work closely with the community to develop long-term policies and legislation on the issues that matter most to Territorians. As part of the refresh, the Opposition Leader has announced several new shadow portfolios including: Shadow Minister for Cost of Living Shadow Minister for Air Connectivity Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Renewables Shadow Minister for Women and Equality These portfolios reflect the real concerns of Territorians. Territorians deserve to know someone is fighting for them when the CLP Government is nowhere to be found. The Opposition Leader will personally take carriage of each of these portfolios to ensure Territorians who feel ignored, attacked, or marginalised by the current Government have a voice and an avenue to advocate for the issues that matter to them and their community. Quotes attributed to Opposition Leader Selena Uibo: