Time for change

TERRITORIANS are fed up with crime and anti-social behaviour. We are facing a crime crisis of an unprecedented magnitude and the impacts are being felt in our homes, businesses, streets, sporting clubs and schools.

Since 2016, the Gunner Labor Government’s ineffective policies have led to increased crime in almost every measurable category.

A misguided singular focus on “generational change” has sent the wrong message to criminals, particularly repeat property crime offenders that often face little – if any – real consequences for their behaviour. By definition, “generational change” will take 20 years to achieve. Generational change is important, but Territorians also expect policies that make change today.

The “generational” goals increasingly feel like smoke and mirrors from a Government that has lost its way. Repeated break-ins are causing businesses that have already been pushed to the brink by the Gunner Labor Government’s fiscal and economic crisis, to close their doors. Some have been broken into more than 10 times in the past year. How much cost and trauma are businesses expected to endure before they shut shop?

If you want to talk about generational change – Territory businesses used to be generational, now many businesses are barely surviving week to week.

Almost every Territorian has either had their home broken into or knows someone that has been the victim of one or multiple crimes. The violation experienced when someone breaks into our homes and threatens our family is something that Territorians have become far too familiar with. This is not OK.

Most property crimes are opportunistic and driven by alcohol and drugs. However, instead of focusing directly with the underlying reason for offending and targeting the people that are committing crimes, the Gunner Labor Government has chosen to implement policies that punish all Territorians, such as the Banned Drinker Register and alcohol floor price.

The Banned Drinker Register and floor price do not target the very small few that turn to offending to feed their addictions – they target everyone.

The problems caused by the BDR and floor price are so serious that police have been forced to establish a special unit to specifically focus on secondary supply. Police need all the support they can get, they do a tough job to keep Territorians safe. But shouldn’t the Government be addressing the root cause of the problem?

The revolving door of “set and forget” alcohol policies, intended only to generate headlines and make it seem like the Gunner Labor Government is doing something, is hurting Territorians. Only addressing the root causes of alcohol-related harm will fix the problem. That is why the Opposition continues to fight for a revised model of mandatory alcohol rehabilitation, which was scrapped by this Government.

The CLP Opposition stands with Territorians and shares their concerns – we want action now. Not more words, not more rhetoric about generational change. Our collective patience has been exhausted and things are not OK.

We need to have consistent consequences for breaking the law. Consequences act as a strong deterrent so that wouldbe offenders think twice before they act out. Startlingly, we are even seeing offenders blatantly disregard CCTV by engaging with cameras without even covering their faces.

A system where consequences are not apparent fails to teach offenders the fundamental – there will be a strong reaction from society to every criminal action.

The CLP Opposition wants to see stronger consequences for offenders including:

• Retain mandatory sentencing for violent crimes and increase penalties where appropriate

• Institute escalating penalties for repeat offenders, increased penalties for subsequent offences

• Require parents or carers of youth offenders to front court and pay restitution

• Mandatory community service for property offenders, including youth (graffiti painting, garden cleaning for seniors and pensioners, rubbish collection, assisting post crime)

• Boot camps should be expanded, including skills training and work experience to reduce re-offending

In order to cut crime we also need to effectively rehabilitate those that do offend. “Sentenced to a Job” was designed to do just this. However, the Gunner Labor Government has made cuts to this highly successful program.

The crime crisis gripping the Territory and the lack of action and leadership from the Gunner Labor Government is threatening the very lifestyle we all hold dear. Things are not OK and it is time for a change.

Lia Finocchiaro is the Deputy Opposition Leader

“Almost every Territorian has either had their home broken into or knows someone that has been the victim”