Media Release from Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby
It has been 411 days since this Labor Government promised to deliver immediate action for more security at bottle shops and improve community safety.
On 22 March 2023, following the tragic death of bottle shop worker Declan Laverty, the Labor government announced ‘an immediate review of police powers for public safety, and a review of bail laws for people who engage in offences involving weapons.’
This included capsicum spray to be expanded to Transit Safety Officers and Crowd Controllers and Security Guards.
I don’t think any Territorians, apart from Labor MLAs, think that definition of immediate was 411 days. The Lawler Labor Government failed to deliver the security measures it promised and today only marks the day security guards can ‘apply’ for OC spray – not carry it.
When Labor came to government they reduced the fines for individuals refusing to vacate licensed premises from $560 to $176, removing powers of police and consequences for offending. Labor is making it up as they go along.
The CLP will immediately give police better powers, strengthen the law and deliver real consequences for offending.
