Attorney-General for the Northern Territory, Hon Marie-Clare Boothby, has welcomed the passage of new legislation delivering practical, commonsense reforms across police recruitment, information governance, Public Trustee appointments and firearms regulation.
"These are small but important changes that make government work better for Territorians," Ms Boothby said. "They strengthen integrity, cut red-tape and support the people and businesses who keep the Territory moving."
The package delivers on key commitments of the Finocchiaro CLP Government:
Restoring integrity to police recruitment by implementing in full recommendations of the independent Blow Review, ensuring senior police appointments are based on merit, transparency and accountability.Protecting the proper functioning of government by clarifying long-standing information provisions, following costly green lawfare targeting documents from a former Labor minister.Streamlining the appointment process for the Public Trustee, removing unnecessary duplication and modernising the appointment of the Deputy Public Trustee.A commonsense change to firearm permits, meaning existing Category A and B licence holders who have already completed all checks and who already own a firearm of the same category may obtain a permit without the 28-day waiting period.
The amendments to the Information Act simply reaffirm long-standing provisions that allow Ministers to have free and frank discussions as they develop policy. This principle was supported by both sides of the Parliament during debate.
These changes will put an end to the misuse of FOI mechanisms, employed by green groups such as the Environment Centre, who launched a costly expedition in search of five years' worth of documents from a former Labor Minister. Territorians have already paid nearly $200,000 in that case alone - and it's still ongoing. At the same time, these reforms clarify and protect the public's right to access information.
Ms Boothby said the contrast with the former Labor Government is clear.
"Under Labor, processes were inconsistent and riddled with red tape. Meanwhile, crime spiralled out of control, and certainty and trust in government collapsed. We are acting to rebuild certainty and security, and to restore our unique Territorian way of life."
The reforms come as the latest crime data shows an 8.3% decrease in victims of crime Territory-wide, reinforcing the Government's strong focus on reducing crime, rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory lifestyle.
