Territory business owners will now have more powers to issue and enforce warnings to trespassers under new laws passed today.
The Trespass Bill 2023 streamlines and clarifies the process of issuing and enforcing trespass orders for legal occupiers and NT Police.
Under the Bill, legal occupiers and NT Police can issue individuals - including youth - with a 'Direction to Leave' a premises for up to seven days.
A 'Warning to stay off' can also be issued, banning an individual from entering a premises for up to 12 months.
It also removes a second chance warning for individuals who refuse to leave - and allows for more employees, including security guards to issue orders.
Committing a trespass offence can result in arrest and a possible prison term of up to six months or a fine up to $3240.
The Territory Labor Government has acted on the concerns of businesses who expressed their frustration with the previous convoluted laws.
Businesses shouldn't have to put up with nuisance behaviour and these changes will now make it simpler for individuals to be moved on or banned.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Kate Worden:
"We know businesses and Territorians are fed up with crime, anti-social behaviour and the impacts it has on their daily lives. No government has done more to address these issues.
"This new law gives business owners and Police more certainty surrounding the issuing and enforcing of trespass orders.
"The process is now more streamlined, allowing employees and others, such as security guards, to issue warnings.
"The Bill clarifies the penalties that will apply for trespass offences, which include fines and potential term of imprisonment."
Northern Territory Government
