NT Government Pledges Tougher Bail Laws After Darwin Stabbing
The Northern Territory government has announced it will urgently pass new bail legislation, aiming to align with tough laws already in place in Victoria and New South Wales, following the fatal stabbing of a Darwin supermarket owner.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said parliament would reconvene on Wednesday to fast-track the changes, stating her goal was for the NT to have “the toughest bail laws in the country.”
The move follows the death of 71-year-old Linford Feick, who was fatally stabbed after confronting an alleged shoplifter at his store. The 18-year-old accused of the attack had been released on bail by the NT Supreme Court just a week earlier, despite facing serious charges.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby explained the planned reforms include a new overarching legal requirement: judges must be satisfied that an accused person does not pose a risk to the community before granting bail.
“This principle must be considered before any presumptions for or against bail are taken into account,” Ms Boothby said.
Chief Minister Finocchiaro added that the goal is to reduce the number of people granted bail, saying, “Territorians will agree this is urgent and important.”
When asked whether the new laws would reduce crime, and noting that judges would still have discretion, she said she was confident the reforms would improve community safety.
She cited a recent incident where a teenager accused of a violent home invasion in Alice Springs was granted bail to attend a funeral in Lajamanu — a decision that led to the youth fleeing and police being flown in to locate him, at considerable taxpayer expense.
“These changes are about making sure our laws meet public expectations,” Ms Finocchiaro said. “Judges must first consider community safety before looking at other bail considerations.”
Corrections Minister Gerard Maley acknowledged that tighter bail laws could increase pressure on the prison system and said the government is exploring options to add 100 new beds across correctional facilities.
“Keeping the community safe is our top priority,” Mr Maley said. “If you commit a crime in the Northern Territory, we will make sure there’s a prison bed available.”
