Work will immediately commence work on reviewing bail laws for offences involving a weapon - including the presumption for and against bail for such offences.
A review of the current penalties for people carrying weapons in public will also be undertaken along with a review of police powers to ensure they are adequate and meet community expectations.
Capsicum Spray to be expanded to Transit Safety Officers and Crowd Controllers and Security Guards
Transit Safety Officers will soon be equipped with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray canisters to assist with the safety and protection of people using public transport. We will also immediately commence the process to allow for security and crowd controller licence holders to also have these powers.
This initiative provides workers with another tool to protect themselves and the community, in serious circumstances.
Intensive training in the use of OC spray will be conducted in partnership with defensive tactic professionals, and will be required in accordance with approved standards.
A safeguard mechanism of reportable incidents will also be worked into the framework.
Work Place Safety Review
NT Government will undertake an audit late night retail outlets across the Northern Territory. It will also provide advice on how business security can be improved through a range of mechanisms including crime reduction through environmental design.
We will also review Work Health and Safety Legislation to ensure it is contemporary and working as intended.
Increased Police Presence
Commencing immediately, NT Police will continue with high visibility policing patrols, targeting known hotspots to deter and curb unacceptable behaviour. This will continue in Darwin and through Operation Drina in Alice Springs.
Funding for Crowd Controllers at takeaway outlets
Government will assist with the funding of security and crowd controllers at take away liquor outlets until the end of June 2023.
Improved support and safety training for retail workers
The Northern Territory Government in conjunction with industry will work to develop a best practice training guide for retail workers when dealing with confronting situations.
Training will include de-escalation tactics and refresher training for Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
Alcohol Secure Relaunch
The Northern Territory Governments Alcohol Secure program provides financial support to licensed premises to increase the physical safety and security of their liquor stock against theft or damage.
These measures will complement changes to the Northern Territory's Trespass legislation which is set to be debated in Parliament this week.
These changes will make it easier for businesses to issue trespass notices and ban people from entering their premises.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles
"The safety of our community is paramount - and enough is enough, this behaviour has to stop.
"Our Government just like every Territorian is fed up with acts of violence on our streets and towards our workers.
"We are a government that acts and today's measures, along with an increase of high visibility policing, are just the beginning of multiple initiatives we are looking to implement.
"These initiatives will include measures to deter violent behaviour towards workers and the community to ensure Territorians are safe.
"We have and continue to do more than any other government and we will never stop looking at ways we can improve community safety".
Northern Territory Government
