Northern Territory Parliament Resumes with Action-Packed Week
The Northern Territory parliament reconvened this week for the first time in 2023, and it was a busy one. The CLP government, elected in a landslide victory last year, continued to push its agenda through the "wedding cake" building.
One of the most controversial bills introduced was the Correctional Services Legislation Amendment Bill. This bill would allow the corrections commissioner to hire private and interstate prison guards to help staff NT prisons. The government claims this is necessary to support the core corrections workforce, but the United Workers Union (UWU) representing NT corrections officers sees it as the first step towards privatization.
Another contentious bill was the Territory Coordinator Bill, which would grant Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro the power to modify or exclude laws for "significant" projects and works. Environmentalists are concerned this could lead to cutting corners, and the NT auditor-general recently found a territory coordinator radio advertisement promoted party political interest and included misleading statements.
Despite the controversy, the government's corrections amendment bill passed parliament on Thursday. The alcohol floor price was also officially removed, despite concerns from experts about its impact on alcohol-related harm.
The NT parliament will return in March, when the Territory Coordinator Bill is expected to pass after being reviewed by the NT's Legislation Scrutiny Committee. The government also plans to pass its bills to increase police powers and repeal third-party merit reviews.
9 Comments
Marishka
Greater police powers and reduced bureaucratic hurdles mean our law enforcement can focus on keeping our community safe more effectively.
Pupsik
This government is clearly selling out—using the guise of 'supporting the corrections workforce' to pave the way for full-on privatization.
Marishka
Relieving the burden on our core corrections workforce by hiring additional staff is a pragmatic solution in today’s challenging environment.
Pupsik
I’m shocked they passed such controversial bills without proper debate. It feels like they're eroding our public accountability.
Marishka
I trust our government to balance development with public accountability. Bold measures are needed to push NT into a brighter future.
Donatello
The streamlined process for major projects will ensure NT keeps pace with rapid development—sometimes you have to take risks to achieve progress.
Raphael
This action-packed week demonstrates that the government is not afraid to make tough decisions for the greater good of the territory.
Leonardo
I can’t trust a government that continuously cuts corners on law-making. This isn’t reform; it’s deregulation in disguise.
Michelangelo
Who benefits from these laws? It sure doesn't look like it’s the hardworking NT corrections officers or the general public.