New NT Bail Law Targets Serious Offenders, Youths to Face Stricter Controls

Youth and adults under trial in Northern Territory will not be able to secure bail if involved in any serious offence. The Country Liberal Party (CLP) will introduction Declan’s Law to Parliament when sitting begins on Oct. 15. Under this law, there will be a “presumption against bail for youth and adult serious violent offenders,” regardless of whether a weapon is involved. This presumption applies even if the offence did not involve the use of a weapon. “Samara Laverty’s son, Declan, was murdered while at work, at the hands of someone out on bail for violent offending,” Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said....