The new NT government reduces the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10

Two years ago the NT made history as Australia's first jurisdiction to raise the minimum age children could be charged with a crime from 10 to 12. Today, the reversal of that change, another historic first. “I know because I've worked for 20 years in child protection - it's a bloody national crying shame” The government fast-tracking the legislation, to amend the criminal code. The change will deliver a second package of election pledges after new bail laws... known as Declan's law... passed last night. “Normally even if you pass something on urgency you have a day or two to actually see what the legislation is and then be able to make an informed decision.” The Chief Minister, unapologetic “We have an obligation to deliver the government we promised Territorians we would be and I'm very proud to be leading a team that is getting on with the job.” The Chief says the change will allow government agencies to intervene early with no detail on how that would happen. “We have discretion about what action we take - that could be a caution, it could be youth diversion, it could be a charge.” The opposition leader against the move, “This is a dark day for the northern territory to be going steps back in time.” But cautiously supporting two more amendments to the criminal code: To create standalone offences for ram raids and boasting about crime on social media. The Chief Minister has moved swiftly in the first week of parliament to enact her government's promised community safety plan... but she's stopped short of staking her political future on reducing rates of crime in the N-T. “My commitment to Territorians has been crystal clear, we will reduce crime, rebuild our economy and restore our lifestyle and in four years’ time I encourage all Territorians to judge us on our actions.” Promised mandatory sentencing and public nuisance drinking laws will be on the agenda when parliament resumes next week.