The Finocchiaro CLP Government this fortnight marked one year since its first Parliamentary sittings, where it passed the landmark Reducing Crime package - a suite of reforms aimed at improving community safety.
The package included passing Declan's Law, strengthening bail and wanding powers, following the tragic death of 20-year-old Darwin worker Declan Laverty in 2023.
These Reducing Crime reforms tightened bail eligibility for serious and repeat offenders, strengthened police powers, reintroduced breach of bail as an offence for youth offenders aged 10 to 17, mandated electronic monitoring for repeat serious offenders, and expanded police "wanding powers" to search for knives.
Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro today honoured the devastating loss of Declan Laverty, who was fatally stabbed while working at a Darwin bottle shop by a man who was out on bail.
"The catalyst for these laws was the death of Declan. A young man working hard to make a living, with his whole life ahead of him," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Declan's death broke the hearts of Territorians. It was a senseless act of violence that changed the Territory forever.
We can never undo that loss, but we can honour Declan's life with stronger laws."
Mrs Finocchiaro also acknowledged the strength and advocacy of Declan's mum, Samara, for her courage in sharing Declan's story and for joining the Government in Parliament for the passage of these historic laws one year ago.
"Samara's advocacy and presence in the gallery as Declan's Law was passed was deeply moving. Her determination to turn heartbreak into positive change has inspired our community and helped drive stronger, safer laws for the Territory."
Mrs Finocchiaro said the reforms were delivering measurable results.
"Declan's legacy is that his death resulted in lasting and robust bail reforms which are delivering real outcomes - with a 38% increase in adults refused bail between January 6 and September 30 this year, compared with the same time last year," she said.
"That means 4,587 people remained behind bars, protecting Territorians and contributing to 1,273 fewer victims of crime - a 7.4 per cent reduction over the same period.
Since October last year, police have scanned more than 15,000 people, resulting in the seizure of 225 weapons."
Mrs Finocchiaro also reaffirmed that her government would continue to put the rights of victims above the rights of offenders.
Minister Jinson Charls, Member for Sanderson, said Declan's death was the moment that made him stop and ask what more he could do for the community.
"It was the tragedy that pushed me to put my hand up, to work harder for the Northern Suburbs and to stand up for the safety and future of Territorians," he said.
"Every time I speak with residents in the Northern Suburbs, I hear how deeply Declan's story affected them. His legacy continues to inspire change and remind us why community safety must always come first."
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government's focus remains firmly on reducing crime in the Territory.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, my government will continue to strengthen laws, support police, and deliver safer communities for all Territorians.
"I also want to acknowledge the important work being done across government to deliver our plan, with the Attorney-General's Department recently receiving the Chief Minister's Award for Excellence in the Public Sector 'Safer Territory Award' for its leadership in delivering the Reducing Crime Legislative Reform, including Declan's Law.
"This is a whole-of-government effort. From our policy teams to frontline police and justice services, every agency has a role to play in building a safer, stronger Territory. I'm proud to see that work being recognised and rewarded."
