2011 News and Features Archive
Proposed changes to Workers Compensation
Territory workers, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to make comment on proposed changes to workers compensation arrangements in the Northern Territory.
The public comment period is open until Friday 20 January 2012.
Find out more on the proposed changes and have your say
9 December 2011
International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day on Friday 09 December 2011. The theme for this year is: "Do Asylum Seekers Have Human Rights?"
Listen to a panel of speakers: Senator Trish Crossin, John B. Lawrence SC and Bishop Eugene Hurley....more
9 November 2011
Comments sought on Caravan Parks Bill
The draft Caravan Parks Bill is now available for consideration and comment. The draft Bill sets the legal framework that governs the rights and obligations of residents and caravan park operators.
The Bill builds on a public consultation paper issued in 2008 on this issue and on various submissions made before and after the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2010. The caravan parks provisions of that Act have not yet commenced operation.
It is intended that the Bill will be introduced in the November 2011 Legislative Assembly sittings and debated in the February 2012 sittings.
The closing date for submissions and comments is Monday 21 November 2011. Submissions can be made via:
Email: policy.doj@nt.gov.au
Post Legal PolicyDepartment of Justice
GPO Box 1722
DARWIN NT 0820
There is no set format for a submission. Supporting documents or other information may be included. You may comment, argue, provide an opinion, produce documented evidence or statistics, or make recommendations.
Although it is requested that all submissions identify the contributor and that written submissions be signed, anonymous submissions will be considered.
It is not intended that submissions be published.
For further information, call Robert Bradshaw on (08) 8935 7657.
Summary of key points link
Caravan Parks Bill here
Review of Youth Justice System Released
The Review of the Northern Territory Youth Justice System was released 24th October 2011 by NT Attorney General Delia Lawrie, and review chair Jodeen Carney.
Ms Lawrie said the review represented a watershed moment for juvenile justice in the Territory.
“Tackling crime and preventing re-offending by our young people is vital to the future of Territory communities and supports this Government’s commitment to achieve the Territory 2030 target to ensure citizens feel safe from the risk of assault and property crime,” Ms Lawrie said.
For further information visit A Safe Territory internet site http://www.safeterritory.nt.gov.au/index.html .
Barkly Work Camp Officially Opened
The Northern Territory Chief Minister, The Hon Paul Henderson and Minister for Correctional Services, The Hon Gerry McCarthy, officially opened the Barkly Work Camp on 8 September 2011.The Barkly Work Camp, located on the outskirts of Tennant Creek, focuses on education, training and employment – key elements of the new era in corrections.
$5.37 million has been allocated to the Barkly Work Camp, which has been operational since 11 July 2011.
It can accommodate up to 50 low-security inmates under the supervision of correctional officers.
Under the new era in corrections, greater emphasis is placed on reintegration and facilities have been built at the Barkly Work Camp to accommodate community leaders participating in the Elders Visiting Program.
The Barkly Work Camp provides economic and social benefits for the Barkly region through reparation programs, expenditure in local businesses and employment opportunities. A Community Liaison Committee has been established to actively promote correctional programs and to be a conduit between the work camp and the Barkly region communities.
Non-government and non-profit organisations can participate in the reparation programs by providing work placements and developing community projects for prisoners. Interested organisations should contact the Barkly Work Camp for further information.
For further information contact the Barkly Work Camp on (08) 8962 4548 or email ntcsinquiries@nt.gov.au
29 September 2011
Free BDM services extended until 20 October 2011
As part of the NT Government’s Enough is Enough alcohol reform, everyone is required to present approved photo ID when buying takeaway alcohol.
Births, Deaths and Marriages is offering Territorians one free Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate (for those born or married in the NT) and/or change of name service.
Web www.nt.gov.au/justice/bdm
Ph. (08) 8999 6119
NOTE: you will need suitable identifying documentation to obtain the certificates.
Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Registry for any other documents you require to get your approved photo ID
Web www.nt.gov.au/transport/mvr
Ph. 1300 654 628.
27 September 2011
Attorney General Delia Lawrie has announced the Northern Territory Government’s review of the Youth Justice Act has been initiated.
Attorney General Delia Lawrie has announced the Northern Territory Government’s review of the Youth Justice Act has been initiated. The review will evaluate current legislation, government policy and propose new policy and programs with particular reference to vulnerable groups of young people. The Terms of Reference have been completed and the review will be led by Alice Springs lawyer and former member for Araluen Jodeen Carney. A public consultation process will be required as part of the review and further details will follow as to how submissions can be made.
For more information please see the Media Release and the Terms of Reference pdf | rtf
4 April 2011
Northern Territory Community Corrections Recruitment
Community Corrections has recently undertaken a workforce review to ensure the establishment of an innovative and responsive work force. Community Corrections offers a fast-paced and exciting work environment, where each day is different to the last. For more detailed information refer to the Northern Territory Community Corrections Applicant Information which is available here
Details about job vacancies are available on the NTG website: http://www.nt.gov.au/jobs/ or http://www.seek.com.au/
25 March 2011
Northern Territory Wholesale Alcohol Supply 2002-2009
This report presents Wholesale Alcohol Content supply statistics for the Territory as a whole and each of the following urban centres: Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy......more
22 February 2011
Getting tough on problem drinkers
Designated areas operate in a number of areas in the NT where alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violence has occurred in a public space in the vicinity of liquor licensed premises.
Designated areas currently operate in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs, which means that in these areas:
- Police have the power to issue banning notices to any person they reasonably suspect is committing or has committed a specified offence in a designated area. Specified offences range from failing to leave licensed premises to serious assault and arson.
- Bans can last for up to 48 hours and may apply to the whole of the designated area or all licensed premises within the area.
- A person who commits a serious specified offence in a designated area or who has received at least three banning notices for the same designated area may have to appear in court where an exclusion order may be issued.
- Similar to a banning notice, an exclusion order may ban a person from the whole designated area, all premises within the area, or specific premises in the area – this will be a decision made by the court and can be for up to 12 months.
- A banned or excluded person may be issued with an infringement notice if they enter, remain or attempt to enter or remain on licensed premises or in the designated area in contravention of their banning notice or exclusion order. The fine is one penalty unit (currently $133). Alternatively, a person can be summonsed to court for breaching a banning notice or exclusion order. On a finding of guilt, a court can impose a penalty of up to $1000 or 6 month inprisonment for a first offence or $2000 or 12 months inprisonment for a subsequent offence.
Palmerston Precinct
Darwin Precinct
Alice Precinct
14 January 2011
Menzies School of Health Research Evaluation Report on the Katherine Alcohol Management Plan and Liquor Supply Plan
Menzies School of Health Research Evaluation Report on the Katherine Alcohol Management Plan and Liquor Supply Plan has been released...more