Attorney-General
Lia Finocchiaro
Chief Minister
Joint Media Release CLP's Declan's Law delivering real results: crime down, confidence up
2 August 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government's stronger bail laws - known as Declan's Law after 20-year-old Declan Laverty was murdered at work - are holding repeat offenders to account and rebuilding confidence in the Territory.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the latest figures prove the government's strong reforms are working.
Justice outcomes since Declan's Law began in January:
Over 3,300 people refused bail - up 44% compared to the same period last year under Labor;
Despite this increase, the CLP Government is also delivering faster justice for victims with:
Remand numbers up 40% - more serious offenders kept off the streets;Average time on remand is down to 136.5 days - 7% faster than last year;Sentenced prisoners now outnumber remand prisoners - the system is moving efficiently; andTerritory-wide crime is trending down: House break-ins: ↓ 31%Robberies: ↓ 29%Commercial break-ins: ↓ 16%Non-vehicle theft: ↓ 15%
"We promised Territorians a year of action, certainty, and security - and that's exactly what we're delivering," said Ms Boothby.
"Labor watered down bail laws and let violent repeat offenders roam the streets. We've changed that - putting victims first and prioritise community safety at the centre."
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government was elected with a clear mandate to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore the unique Territory lifestyle.
"One of our first acts as a government was passing Declan's Law - and it's working," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"I thank Declan's mum, Samara Laverty, for working with us to make our community safer and honour her son through Declan's Law."
The Territory is turning the corner - not just on crime, but on the economy:
NT now leads the nation in population growth: up 1.21% annually;Fastest economic growth in Australia: 10.2%, nearly three times the next best;New home approvals: up 15% - showing confidence in investment;NT has jumped from 5th to 3rd in CommSec's State of the States, driven by jobs and business activity.
"Community safety and economic confidence go hand in hand - and we're delivering both," said Ms Boothby.
