Office Minister Natasha Fyles

Parliament continues in the Northern Territory this week, with Parliament set to debate the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. The Bill includes reforms needed to implement recommendations from the Pepper Enquiry, which will go towards allowing a well-regulated hydraulic fracturing industry to develop.

Parliament will also debate the Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, which delivers on the Government’s election promise to return to full preferential voting for Northern Territory elections.

Two bills will be introduced and passed on urgency this week, to make important technical amendments to current legislation.

The Criminal Code Further Amendment Bill 2019 will address a shortcoming in legislation that could affect the prosecution of historic child abuse cases.

The Youth Justice Act Amendments Bill 2019 will clarify and tighten the existing framework for managing safety and security risks within youth detention centres.

Other Bills for introduction during sittings this week are:

• The Youth Justice and Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

• The Care and Protection of Children Amendment Bill 2019

• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (Authorisations) Bill 2019

Quotes from Leader of Government Business, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government continues to deliver for Territorians by introducing a number of Bills that will create jobs and generational change, and help us build safer, fairer and stronger communities.

“A fair and just legal system is important for all Territorians, and the Criminal Code Further Amendment Bill 2019 will help us better achieve that for victims of historic child sex abuse cases.”

Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079