Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Country Liberal Party won the 2024 Northern Territory election and formed government nearly a year ago, so we are close to the end of their so-called year of action, but hopes for evidence based policies have been all but crushed. Deputy Speaker Claydon, it is important, as you know and all honourable members should know, that we listen to experts. Today I echo the advice that 45 paediatricians have provided to the NT chief minister. They say, 'Adolescence is a developmental period which offers a window of opportunity to promote positive connections, to protect from harm and to provide safety.' Their advice includes permanent banning of spit hoods in youth detention, providing early paediatric neurodevelopment assessment, health and education support in youth detention and prioritise therapeutic, community based, diversionary alternatives.

It is clear that the CLP lacks the capability and intent to keep young Territorians safe and to support them. Examples include their move away from diversion and the delay of the federally funded $5 million youth engagement hub in Casuarina, which, despite being shovel ready, is now up in the air. The NT government is responsible for law and order, but it is also responsible for youth services that work.

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