"Locking Territory kids up is not the answer" - NLC Chair

The NLC calls on the NT Government to instead address the root causes of crime while investing in strong and safe remote communities.

This includes more housing in our remote communities and homelands to stop over-crowding; proper pathways to jobs on country; genuine opportunities for economic development and an education system that isn’t failing our kids in the bush.

It is critical that families and communities in the bush are supported to keep their kids out of trouble. The NLC believes this new legislation will not do that.

Lowering the age of criminal responsibility increases the risk of children coming into contact with the justice system at a younger age, reinforcing pathways to reoffending and potentially creating greater harm and risk for all Territorians.

Appropriate investments into local councils and community organisations who deliver preventative, effective, grassroots programs that keep kids engaged and on the right path must be made.

The NLC is will work with the NT Government and the Chief Minister to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic pathways for Aboriginal Territorians, as well as community-led solutions that lift communities.

Quotes attributed to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Locking Territory kids up is not the answer.”

“The new government must invest in programs that keep communities and families strong in the bush. You can’t fix any problem without looking at what’s causing it first and locking kids up is a short-sighted approach.”

“Jobs on Country, proper housing in communities and homelands, and strong community programs that keep our young ones engaged and happy are all something we are looking forward to working with the NT Government on.”