Latest news with #CLP
ABC News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Lockdowns occurring 'all of the time' at every NT prison, corrections boss tells budget estimates
The Northern Territory corrections commissioner says lockdowns are occurring "all of the time" at every NT prison, as inmate numbers continue to soar. More than 1 per cent of the Northern Territory's population is incarcerated, with Department of Corrections (DOC) figures showing 2,834 people were behind bars as of Thursday. Half of the people in jail are on remand, with the total prison population rising by 600 since the Country Liberal Party (CLP) was elected last August. Due to the rising prisoner numbers and staff shortages, lockdowns have been frequently implemented by the DOC. Responding to a question at budget estimates in NT parliament on Thursday, Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said he could not provide a specific figure on the number of lockdowns at adult prisons since September. Instead, he said there were "lockdowns across all of the facilities all of the time". "[The number of lockdowns has] been substantial in the last number of months because of the rate of prisoner growth and the stretch that we have experienced," Commissioner Varley said. Commissioner Varley said it was difficult for the DOC to provide specific lockdown data, because they occurred "in a range of scenarios". "From a cell or block or wing being locked down, to entire facilities," he said. "It is relatively rare for a lockdown of an entire facility to occur because of the nature of staff shortages. "What is more likely to occur is that the entire facility is locked down for short periods of time, depending on operational events. "But [it is] more likely that various parts of the prison, various wings and cells are locked down … what we call rolling unlocks, which are staged locks and unlocks throughout the day." During the budget estimates session, the DOC did provide data on lockdowns in youth detention facilities. Acting Deputy Commissioner Sasha Dennis said there were 25 "rotational lockdowns" between July 2024 and the end of March this year. "They are due to operational requirements, such as low staffing or high levels of escorts, including court, medical, and leave of absences — requiring transport of young people outside of the facility," she said. There were 55 youths in detention on Thursday, according to the DOC. The territory's three adult jails and two work camps cannot accommodate the entire prison population. Prisoners who cannot fit into those facilities are being held in police watch houses, where DOC staff have not been present since March. During budget estimates, Corrections Minister Gerard Maley said there were 70 prisoners in police watch houses as of Thursday. Of the 70 prisoners, 51 were being held at Palmerston watch house, 10 at Katherine watch house and nine at the watch house in Alice Springs. Mr Maley said 20 prisoners at the Palmerston watch house had been held there for more than a week, with one prisoner's stint stretching to 14 days as of Thursday. While in a watch house, prisoners do not leave their cell and lights remain on 24 hours a day, Mr Maley confirmed. In February, the NT government passed legislation allowing it to hire private and interstate guards to work in the corrections system. The government subsequently contracted private security firm G4S to manage prisoner transfers in Darwin, in a bid to boost the overall workforce and reduce overtime payments. During budget estimates, Commissioner Varley said the overtime bill "for custodial operations" between July 2024 and the end of March this year reached $19.23 million, for 266,000 extra hours worked. "That's an average of 355 hours per prisoner," he said. "By the time we get to June 30, we'll probably end up with an overtime bill similar to what we did last year."
News.com.au
11-06-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
NT government to allow public to use pepper spray in self defence
The Northern Territory government is set to increase its safety measures by allowing the public use of pepper spray for self defence in a 12-month trial. The 12-month trial will allow the public to carry low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum spray, better known as pepper spray, for self defence reasons and under strict legal conditions. The NT has faced law and order issues over recent times, raising concerns within the community over safety and crime. The Finocchiaro CLP government has passed a number of reforms since winning last year's election, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. 'This initiative responds directly to community calls for more safety options and reflects the government's commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle,' Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said. The spray is made with a nonlethal substance that an cause a painful and burning sensation, and temporarily impair vision, allowing the victims to escape, but it is not as powerful as sprays handled by police. Pepper spray is currently classified as a 'prohibited weapon' in the NT. Ms Finocchiaro said the trial would give residents 'more choice when it comes to personal safety'. 'We're strengthening the frontline with more police, stronger laws and better prevention, but we also believe individuals should have lawful tools to protect themselves if needed,' she said. Pepper spray will be available for purchase from licensed dealers across the NT from September 1, 2025, and will only be eligible under strict conditions A person must be over 18 to purchase the pepper spray, show valid NT photo ID and have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders. They must also be purchased in person from a licensed NT dealer. The specifics of the trial will be determined alongside the NT Police, key stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. A 'community oversight reference group' will also be established to oversee how the trial is run. She said she believed the trial would be well-received by the NT community, based on the reaction from a similar trial in Western Australia. Western Australia is currently the only state or territory to allow people to carry the nonlethal spray, under strict conditions. 'We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety,' Ms Finocchiaro said. 'This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control.
West Australian
11-06-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
NT government to allow public to use pepper spray in self defence
The Northern Territory government is set to increase its safety measures by allowing the public use of pepper spray for self defence in a 12-month trial. The 12-month trial will allow the public to carry low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum spray, better known as pepper spray, for self defence reasons and under strict legal conditions. The NT has faced law and order issues over recent times, raising concerns within the community over safety and crime. The Finocchiaro CLP government has passed a number of reforms since winning last year's election, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. 'This initiative responds directly to community calls for more safety options and reflects the government's commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle,' Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said. The spray is made with a nonlethal substance that an cause a painful and burning sensation, and temporarily impair vision, allowing the victims to escape, but it is not as powerful as sprays handled by police. Pepper spray is currently classified as a 'prohibited weapon' in the NT. Ms Finocchiaro said the trial would give residents 'more choice when it comes to personal safety'. 'We're strengthening the frontline with more police, stronger laws and better prevention, but we also believe individuals should have lawful tools to protect themselves if needed,' she said. Pepper spray will be available for purchase from licensed dealers across the NT from September 1, 2025, and will only be eligible under strict conditions A person must be over 18 to purchase the pepper spray, show valid NT photo ID and have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders. They must also be purchased in person from a licensed NT dealer. The specifics of the trial will be determined alongside the NT Police, key stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. A 'community oversight reference group' will also be established to oversee how the trial is run. She said she believed the trial would be well-received by the NT community, based on the reaction from a similar trial in Western Australia. Western Australia is currently the only state or territory to allow people to carry the nonlethal spray, under strict conditions. 'We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety,' Ms Finocchiaro said. 'This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control. 'It's a practical step that balances personal responsibility with community safety, and we'll be watching the outcomes closely through reporting and evaluation.'
Perth Now
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
NT's drastic move in law and order crisis
The Northern Territory government is set to increase its safety measures by allowing the public use of pepper spray for self defence in a 12-month trial. The 12-month trial will allow the public to carry low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum spray, better known as pepper spray, for self defence reasons and under strict legal conditions. The Northern Territory will introduce a 12-month trial into personal pepper spray use. Credit: Supplied The NT has faced law and order issues over recent times, raising concerns within the community over safety and crime. The Finocchiaro CLP government has passed a number of reforms since winning last year's election, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. 'This initiative responds directly to community calls for more safety options and reflects the government's commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle,' Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said. The spray is made with a nonlethal substance that an cause a painful and burning sensation, and temporarily impair vision, allowing the victims to escape, but it is not as powerful as sprays handled by police. Pepper spray is currently classified as a 'prohibited weapon' in the NT. Ms Finocchiaro said the trial would give residents 'more choice when it comes to personal safety'. 'We're strengthening the frontline with more police, stronger laws and better prevention, but we also believe individuals should have lawful tools to protect themselves if needed,' she said. NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the move would give residents 'lawful tools' for self defence. NewsWire / David Beach Credit: News Corp Australia Pepper spray will be available for purchase from licensed dealers across the NT from September 1, 2025, and will only be eligible under strict conditions A person must be over 18 to purchase the pepper spray, show valid NT photo ID and have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders. They must also be purchased in person from a licensed NT dealer. The specifics of the trial will be determined alongside the NT Police, key stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. A 'community oversight reference group' will also be established to oversee how the trial is run. The nonlethal spray is not as powerful as ones used by police. Supplied Credit: Supplied She said she believed the trial would be well-received by the NT community, based on the reaction from a similar trial in Western Australia. Western Australia is currently the only state or territory to allow people to carry the nonlethal spray, under strict conditions. 'We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety,' Ms Finocchiaro said. 'This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control. 'It's a practical step that balances personal responsibility with community safety, and we'll be watching the outcomes closely through reporting and evaluation.'
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow travellers heading to South America warned of muggings
The UK's Foreign Office updated its travel advice for British holidaymakers travelling to Chile in South America on Monday, June 9. As part of the update, the government is warning UK tourists of pickpocketing, muggings, and thefts. READ MORE: Glasgow holidaymakers warned after earthquake in Turkey READ MORE: Glasgow holidaymakers travelling to Thailand warned They said: "Pickpocketing, muggings and thefts from vehicles are very common throughout Chile, including inside airports, churches, hotels and bus stations, and at viewpoints and petrol stations. "This is a list of scams and techniques which have been used on British Nationals in Chile, especially in central Santiago and Valparaiso: "Distraction robbery: The victim is distracted by one person while a second person steals the victim's handbag or backpack from their chair or from under the table. "Liquid spill: Liquid is 'accidentally' spilt on a traveller, and the scammer steals the victim's valuables while pretending to be assisting with cleaning it off. "Tyre puncture: The driver pulls over owing to a punctured tyre (not knowing that their tyre has been deliberately punctured). A person then approaches the car offering to help, and distracts the driver whilst a second person steals belongings from the car. "Hire cars: Hire cars are targeted and broken into whilst parked at a viewpoint, petrol station or other location. Sometimes the driver is approached and distracted by one person while belongings are stolen from the car by a second person. "Airport taxi: Unlicensed taxi drivers at Santiago Airport add extra digits to the amount for the taxi journey, i.e. charging 5,000,000 CLP (approx. £5,000/5,000 USD) instead of 50,000 CLP. Others have convinced passengers to enter their PIN number into a credit card reader whose display cannot be read. People have lost up to £10,000 via this method. "Theft of belongings at Santiago airport: This includes luggage stolen both before check-in at the airport terminal and from the baggage carousel after arrival." Regarding muggings in Chile, the UK Foreign Office revealed they happen 'frequently', especially in the two cities of Santiago and Valparaiso. They also said they are 'increasingly' involving 'weapons such as guns and knives'. The UK Government said: "Muggings can take place during the day and in plain sight of others. "Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist areas or near official buildings. Muggers will target: Tourists. People carrying large amounts of money, leaving ATMs or currency exchanges, for example. Your passport (carrying a photocopy is enough). Valuable watches or jewellery. Your mobile phone. "Do not resist any attempted mugging." To find out more advice before heading to Chile, click here.
