Northern Territory Gang Members Getting Off Scot Free

The revelation that fewer than 50% of offenders convicted under the Territory Governments gang laws have received custodial sentences again highlights the difference between this Government’s rhetoric and the reality on the streets.

When the laws passed in October 2006 the then Attorney General, Syd Stirling, claimed: Tough new laws designed to shut down gangs have been passed in Territory Parliament.

The Attorney General also claimed the laws will be an effective tool to break up gangs, and dramatically reduce their impact on the community.

“The difference between what was promised and what has been delivered is telling,” says Jodeen Carney, Shadow Attorney General.

“What sort of message is sent to the kids on the periphery of these gangs when they see the hard core of members walk free from court after being convicted under these laws?

“With just 44% of those convicted under these laws have receiving custodial a sentence, the offenders are more likely than not to walk free from court.

“With gang activity escalating since the introduction of the laws it is particularly telling that across the Territory mere 29 individuals have received custodial sentences.

“We regularly hear reports of dozens of youths running wild in the northern suburbs and Palmerston.

“Wadeye is another notorious hot bed of gang activity and Alice Springs is also afflicted by gangs of youths roaming the streets with criminal intent.

“Talking tough is this Government’s favourite pastime; we need tough action to control the growing lawlessness in the Territory.”

2008-06-18