On Wednesday 30 April 2025 the CLP introduced knee-jerk changes to the Youth Justice Act and the Bail Act in response to the tragic killing of Linford Feick in Nightcliff.
The NT Greens unequivocally oppose the CLP government's racist and inhumane tough on crime agenda, and condemn their deliberate weaponisation of this incident to progress this agenda. The NT Greens continue to advocate for justice reform that is evidence-based, respects human rights, and focuses on prevention. This includes adequate funding for bail support services and community-led programs that work to address offending behaviours. Our party's full justice policy is available here.
In parliament, the Member for Nightcliff, Kat McNamara MLA, chose not to oppose the reforms, for reasons detailed in their speech, available here. This decision does not represent the policies of the party.
The NT Greens appreciate the uniquely complex position that Mx McNamara was in and are confident that they will continue to be a strong representative for Greens values and policies in their parliamentary term. We are committed to fully supporting them.
Where the actions of a Greens representative in public office do not adhere to our policies, including where an elected representative votes against Greens policies according to, in their opinion, their duty to their constituents, the elected representative is required to provide their reasons to a party meeting.
Our party will convene a member meeting on Monday 26 May 2025 to discuss the matter with our membership and determine a pathway forward. As noted, Mx McNamara continues to have the full support of the NT Greens.
The NT Greens are committed to establishing a formal mechanism for elected representatives to draw on the knowledge and experience of the NT Greens to inform decision-making that is consistent with the Greens' policy platform, and the expectations of the party membership. We acknowledge that as a new parliamentary party in the Territory, this mechanism has not yet been in place for Mx McNamara.
