The Northern Territory has passed new laws that let emergency curfews be more easily imposed in a move its government says will keep crime and anti-social behaviour down.
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But it's been met with criticism by Indigenous justice bodies, who believe the laws will disproportionately target Aboriginal people.
The NT government doesn't think the curfews will be used frequently, but want police to have the option in their back pockets should an emergency situation arise.
The laws let the police commissioner enact a three-day curfew, and that can be extended to seven days if the police minister approves.
Growing crime rates and anti-social behaviour have been major issues in various territory communities for some time but they drew national attention earlier this year following a series of wild brawls in Alice Springs.
A curfew was imposed in Alice Springs as police grappled with youth crime.
Police Minister Brent Potter said the curfews would be used sparingly and when appropriate, rather than as an initial response.
"Police do an incredible job and this legislation will allow the force to enact their powers quicker and more effectively to keep territorians safe," he said in a statement.
"Curfews will be used when needed and when serious. We don't want territorians living in fear."
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency's principal legal officer Jared Sharp said curfews are "high-risk, no-reward policy" and could add to perceived over-policing in the NT.
"The concern is that curfews tend to drag kids who are already vulnerable deep into the criminal justice system," he said in a statement.
"The NAAJA believes this curfew legislation that will give police unprecedented powers to lock down communities and prevent people from going about their business is an absolute overreach."
The Northern Territory Council of Social Service expressed their "deep concern" with the laws, and said the Anti-Discrimination Act was being suspended without the commissioner being consulted.
"The real hard work that must be done and real accountability to the NT community is addressing the causes of offending and working with the community on solutions that support youth and families and will provide long term answers," chief executive Sally Sievers said in a statement.
"The approach does not address the causes of why people, particularly young people, are maybe on the streets, like unsafe homes, domestic and family violence, overcrowded and substandard housing."
Australian Associated Press
