Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now, the Northern Territory is Attorney General has labeled comments
by the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency as irresponsible and absurd.
Naja's acting CEO, Anthony Bevin was on the ABC earlier
this week talking about the increasing numbers at our prisons
and certainly within our watch houses and suggested the Commonwealth
(00:21):
should pull funding from the Northern Territory Police for remote
policing until the Northern Territory government will meets with them
and indigenous leaders. Take a listen to what Anthony Bevin
had to say.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
One of the unique things we have here in the
Northern Territory is that the Commonwealth actually funds the Northern
Territory Police for remote policing and other options. We're calling
on the Commonwealth to pull that money or put it
on hold until we see the government sit down with
original leaders and talk about better ways about making the
community safe.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Now, Marie Claire Boothby says the comments are reckless and
create fear in remote communities who rely on police for
safety and protection. She joins me on the line, good morning.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
Murray Clare, Good morning Katie, and to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Thanks so much for your time This morning. Now, firstly,
what do you say in response to concerns by NAGA
about the conditions in watch houses and the serious safety
risks that they've raised, as have the Northern Territory Police Association.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah, thanks Katie, And you know, we've been hearing because
obviously we work really closely with police with Corrections and
of course our justice system, including those legal service providers
like NAGA, about how those watchouse conditions you know, are
their challenging. It's a really hard position that everyone is in.
(01:48):
You know, we know that community safety is the number
one priority. That's why we have those increased laws and
that's why we're working with Corrections to get on as
many beds as possible so that you know, even in
by mid August, there's going to be another two hundred
and thirty eight beds that are coming online at the
Beerrimer Correctional Center. That's on top of the six hundred
(02:09):
beds watch houses. It's not a perfect situation to be in,
and you know, but the alternative is leaving the criminals
out on the street. That's not something that we're prepared
to do. And I think comments are from you know,
the likes of NARGE, like we heard this week. It
really you know, the threats to call for funding to
(02:30):
be cut, it is dangerous, it's counterproductive, It undermines that
community confidence. I mean, in reality, we wouldn't be able
to function without that support from the Commonwealth, and that's
for our remote police thing. That funding is so essential
and of course our territories would remember that in our budget,
that's why we provided that extra one point five billion
(02:51):
dollars for police, courts and corrections. But we absolutely need
that funding from the Commonwealth, and I think trying to
draw in the issue of Commons funding to the watchhouses
just puts that uncertainty out there for our police. I mean,
they're the ones that are working really hard along corrections
again the system, and you know, the message to our
police is, you know, we thank them for the really
(03:12):
hard work they're doing and we you know, that's why
we're putting community first. Community safety is our first priority.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
As it should be. As it should be and certainly
was the mandate that the Colp government was elected on.
I mean, I guess the concern is though throughout this
week and I will get to the comments that he'd
made about that Commonwealth funding in a moment but the
concern that has been raised throughout this week and fair
enough by NAJA and also by the Northern Territory Police Association,
(03:41):
they fear it's only a matter of time before there
is a death in tustody. Is that a concern that
you've got.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Look what we know, Katie, is that this is an
ongoing challenge which has been happening for a number of
years now. The difference is that our government recognize this
is a problem and that's why we're doing the work.
And you know, we obviously work really hand in hand
with Police, Corrections, Attorney General and various other agencies. I mean,
(04:10):
as an example, we've had Legal Aid come to me
this week after hearing the concerns on media and from
police and Corrections about it, and they've put forward a
bunch of solutions, which is exactly the type of thing
the conversations we want to have. We don't, you know,
to come out and threatened for the FEDS to remove
funding is not helpful. But what is helpful is actually
(04:33):
working together to be able to come up with those solutions.
And one of those solutions which the Legal Aid Commission
has said that they would be willing to work on
with us is to extend those court hours to the
actually relief the what chouse pressures until there a whole
Saturday every week until we can get to the bottom
of this.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
It is something that we've spoken about a number of
weeks ago. We actually spoke about it with Berth Wild
a number of weeks ago. She had said that, you
know that extending those would have a big impact in
terms of people being able to you know, to have
their day in court. So you're looking at extending the
hours to Saturdays as well.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Absolutely, Like I think we all need to have, you know,
everyone working towards these solutions together. And that's exactly you
know why we've we've started looking at these Saturday court days,
you know, which includes you know, having those judges and
all the court stuff sit on those days to be
able to free up the watchhouses because obviously people come
in and out, it's a moving feast, it's constant, ongoing thing.
(05:33):
And the fact that legal hey, they've also said, including
you know, the Criminals Association that you've just mentioned there,
so they're willing to work with everyone to make that happen,
and that's that's a really good result for them to
come to the table and say yeah, let's do this together.
And that's exactly the types of solutions that we are
working towards. And you know that Saturday court, I'm going
(05:53):
to be working with my agencies and areas around the
court to see what is possible as quickly as possible.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
So how soon could that happen that court sits on Saturdays.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Well, it's as soon as possible from my perspective, Katie,
because you know, we need to get through these you
know this huge demands that the courts are under. You
know that the crime we've changed all the laws and
that's exactly what we wanted to do. And now it's
about getting in and making sure that we're dealing with
the pressures that are in the courts. And if that
means that you know, in the past that there hasn't
been a real desire for the courts to sit on
(06:25):
after hours or on a weekend, but I mean things
have really shifted and we were at a time where
that really is going to be you know, no choice
but to make that a reality.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
So in your opinion, I mean, is that days away?
Is it weeks away? Like I'm just trying to give
the community a bit of an understanding because it is
really something that is a concern right now.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
It is, it is, and I guess there's a couple
of other factors to that as well, Like we've obviously
we're getting more judges appointed, which also frees up that
court space as well to get them working. You know,
more court rooms available so that people could be heard.
And of course this is all about those justice of victims,
I might add, and you know that that. I guess
that the extended hours of the court, like it is
(07:08):
a process we have to go through. There's some changes
in legislation we have to make, but I will be
working day or night to try and get that done
as quickly as possible for the community. I guess the
other point to this is, you know, the community safety
is our number one priority and that's why we you know,
the police are out apprehending people that are doing seriously
(07:29):
wrong things and you know that they're going to be
taken to a watchhouse and obviously they'll be dealt with
with repport.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
So legislation is required in order to extend those hours
to a Saturday. Is that legislation going to be introduced
on urgency next week?
Speaker 3 (07:44):
We're still working through that detail, Katie. So we'll have
more to say on that for your listeners, you know,
in the coming period. I guess I just want to
be really clear with Territorians that this is an option
that I am absolutely prepared and dedicated to look into.
We do need to have the justice system and the
(08:04):
players in that space on board with that as well,
because you know, we want to make sure that everyone
is going to be able to work towards the same solution,
and so that work is already underway. Those conversations have started,
and the fact that now Legal Aid have said they're
prepared to do the same, and the Criminal Oys Association
has as well, really looking forward to nudge you're also
(08:24):
supporting that move, and you know, if we can all
work together on this and collaborate, then I think we're
one step closer to being able to solve some of
the really high demand issues that we have.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
Just very quickly. In terms of the more judges being
appointed and more courtrooms, it sounds as tho it could
be a bit of a teared approach in terms of
first off, doing the Saturday court days, and that could
potentially happen quite quickly. Additional judges and more courtrooms. Sounds
like it could take a little bit longer. How long
do you anticipate.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
I think the judges part of it, that process has
been well underway for some time now, so that is imminent,
and you know, we're working through those final decisions and
details currently, so I can't imagine that be very far away.
And then of course you know that of course the
courts can also look within and see what else they
can be doing to try and you know, do I
(09:16):
guess more in the time that they.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Already have have you directed them to do that?
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Well? As Attorney General, I can't tell them exactly what
to do without that legislation, but I have very a
lot of conversations with a lot of people in that space,
including the Chief Judge and the Chief Justice, and so
you know, those conversations continue, and you know, like with
all the other legal services that are involved in the
justice system, like the police, like the corrections, we have
(09:43):
regular conversations and we we're working towards the same outcome
and those solutions to these long standing problems which didn't
appear overnight. And the difference you know that I see
as our government is that we're actually taking those steps
and working till towards those solutions that are absolutely needed,
because we know, after a very long time, we didn't
(10:04):
have the focus that was needed on these areas.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
May clear, Booby, are you going to be sitting down
with NAJA following on from those comments that were made?
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Well, Katie, I actually meet with NAGA quite regularly, and
I've always said to them that my door is always
open to call me any time and to speak to
me and my office and come in for meetings, and
that happens on a very regular occasion. So you know,
the acting CEO did actually call me after I put
(10:34):
my statement out in response to his comments on the
ABC radio and you know, so I'm going to catch
up with him and sit down with him. You know
the fact that he wants the FEDS to cut funding
because he wants to have a meeting, I just we're
already having these meetings all the time, So you know,
it's it's just really disheartening that, you know, we're all
(10:56):
trying to work towards solutions.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm not.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I don't I don't understand why. You know, he felt
the need to draw the Watchhouse situation into anti remote
policing as a federally funded activity that you know, like
I said before, we absolutely need the commerce support for
our remote policing. We you know, all it does is
put uncertainty out there for our hard working police. That
(11:20):
alongside the record spend that we're doing in police courts
and corrections is you know, is the work that's needed.
Plus the legislation changes, plus working with the justice systems
to free up the numbers of matters that they can
hear so that we can get people through the courts
and on the way to a life beyond crime, and
you know, something that everyone really wants to see for
our community. And of course, like I always say, community
(11:43):
safety is a number one priority and if people are
out there doing the wrong thing, we make no apologies
that we will find them a bed so that they're
not out in our streets committing the same sorts of crimes.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
Mary Clapbuobee. Obviously he was raising concerns about an eleven
year old. He said that he represented being low in
the watchhouse with the lights on twenty four to seven
reports as well by the ABC radio that there was
menstrual blood smeared on walls, that people are going into toilets,
so we having to go to the toilet, I should
say in front of in front of others. I mean,
(12:16):
do you think those conditions are appropriate, Katie.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
I know that the Commissioner for Corrections was on your
show earlier this week and made it really clear that
those watchhouses and our corrections facilities, they have all of
the things where the needs of those people in there
are being met. You know, there's regular health checkups, they
have hygiene available for them, they get fed every day.
It's not ideal, it's not a nice place to be
(12:42):
in and nobody should want to be in there for
any length of time. But again, you know, the alternative
is that those people that are committing really serious crimes
are out in our community and that's just something that
we won't stand for.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Mary Claire A very quick one. How much funding does
the Northern Territory provide to NAJA.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
So the funding for NAGA comes from the federal government
and you know he's quite substantial and of course there's
a range of services that they provide based on that funding,
and so you know, the territory government does work alongside
NARJA to make sure those services are being delivered and
they've got a really, really important role to play because
(13:23):
not only do they represent people who are facing court
on charges, but you know, they need to work alongside
those so that the victims that are involved in these
cases actually see justice. And that's the other really important
part of the role that NAJA has. They definitely have
a seat of the table when it comes to catching
up with me regularly, and we will continue to work
(13:43):
with them alongside of others such as Legal Aid who'd
come forward with those solutions, and you know, we'll have
to just keep working on this to see the other side.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Mary Claire, very quickly, I know your press for time
as am I, but very quickly to anybody listening this morning,
that feels as though the government have got it all
wrong with putting people in the watch houses that are overcrowded.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
What would you say to them, Katie, I think if
you're not doing the wrong thing, you're not out there
committing serious offenses and you absolutely have nothing to worry about.
The situation is not ideal in terms of being in
having this setup where people are in watch houses. That's
not something that is new, that's been happening for a
long time. Now we're prepared to fix it. We've taken
(14:25):
all of the steps that are necessary and continue to
in terms of bringing on those extra beds in corrections
and ensuring that our justice system can meet the demand.
It's a very tricky one and we won't stop this.
The work has only just started and there's so much
more work to come.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Well, Murray Claire Boothby, Attorney General for the Northern Territories,
thank you for your time this morning.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Thank you, Katie, and to your listeners, thank you.
Now, the Northern Territory is Attorney General has labeled comments
by the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency as irresponsible and absurd.
Naja's acting CEO, Anthony Bevin was on the ABC earlier
this week talking about the increasing numbers at our prisons
and certainly within our watch houses and suggested the Commonwealth
(00:21):
should pull funding from the Northern Territory Police for remote
policing until the Northern Territory government will meets with them
and indigenous leaders. Take a listen to what Anthony Bevin
had to say.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
One of the unique things we have here in the
Northern Territory is that the Commonwealth actually funds the Northern
Territory Police for remote policing and other options. We're calling
on the Commonwealth to pull that money or put it
on hold until we see the government sit down with
original leaders and talk about better ways about making the
community safe.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Now, Marie Claire Boothby says the comments are reckless and
create fear in remote communities who rely on police for
safety and protection. She joins me on the line, good morning.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
Murray Clare, Good morning Katie, and to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Thanks so much for your time This morning. Now, firstly,
what do you say in response to concerns by NAGA
about the conditions in watch houses and the serious safety
risks that they've raised, as have the Northern Territory Police Association.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah, thanks Katie, And you know, we've been hearing because
obviously we work really closely with police with Corrections and
of course our justice system, including those legal service providers
like NAGA, about how those watchouse conditions you know, are
their challenging. It's a really hard position that everyone is in.
(01:48):
You know, we know that community safety is the number
one priority. That's why we have those increased laws and
that's why we're working with Corrections to get on as
many beds as possible so that you know, even in
by mid August, there's going to be another two hundred
and thirty eight beds that are coming online at the
Beerrimer Correctional Center. That's on top of the six hundred
(02:09):
beds watch houses. It's not a perfect situation to be in,
and you know, but the alternative is leaving the criminals
out on the street. That's not something that we're prepared
to do. And I think comments are from you know,
the likes of NARGE, like we heard this week. It
really you know, the threats to call for funding to
(02:30):
be cut, it is dangerous, it's counterproductive, It undermines that
community confidence. I mean, in reality, we wouldn't be able
to function without that support from the Commonwealth, and that's
for our remote police thing. That funding is so essential
and of course our territories would remember that in our budget,
that's why we provided that extra one point five billion
(02:51):
dollars for police, courts and corrections. But we absolutely need
that funding from the Commonwealth, and I think trying to
draw in the issue of Commons funding to the watchhouses
just puts that uncertainty out there for our police. I mean,
they're the ones that are working really hard along corrections
again the system, and you know, the message to our
police is, you know, we thank them for the really
(03:12):
hard work they're doing and we you know, that's why
we're putting community first. Community safety is our first priority.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
As it should be. As it should be and certainly
was the mandate that the Colp government was elected on.
I mean, I guess the concern is though throughout this
week and I will get to the comments that he'd
made about that Commonwealth funding in a moment but the
concern that has been raised throughout this week and fair
enough by NAJA and also by the Northern Territory Police Association,
(03:41):
they fear it's only a matter of time before there
is a death in tustody. Is that a concern that
you've got.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Look what we know, Katie, is that this is an
ongoing challenge which has been happening for a number of
years now. The difference is that our government recognize this
is a problem and that's why we're doing the work.
And you know, we obviously work really hand in hand
with Police, Corrections, Attorney General and various other agencies. I mean,
(04:10):
as an example, we've had Legal Aid come to me
this week after hearing the concerns on media and from
police and Corrections about it, and they've put forward a
bunch of solutions, which is exactly the type of thing
the conversations we want to have. We don't, you know,
to come out and threatened for the FEDS to remove
funding is not helpful. But what is helpful is actually
(04:33):
working together to be able to come up with those solutions.
And one of those solutions which the Legal Aid Commission
has said that they would be willing to work on
with us is to extend those court hours to the
actually relief the what chouse pressures until there a whole
Saturday every week until we can get to the bottom
of this.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
It is something that we've spoken about a number of
weeks ago. We actually spoke about it with Berth Wild
a number of weeks ago. She had said that, you
know that extending those would have a big impact in
terms of people being able to you know, to have
their day in court. So you're looking at extending the
hours to Saturdays as well.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Absolutely, Like I think we all need to have, you know,
everyone working towards these solutions together. And that's exactly you
know why we've we've started looking at these Saturday court days,
you know, which includes you know, having those judges and
all the court stuff sit on those days to be
able to free up the watchhouses because obviously people come
in and out, it's a moving feast, it's constant, ongoing thing.
(05:33):
And the fact that legal hey, they've also said, including
you know, the Criminals Association that you've just mentioned there,
so they're willing to work with everyone to make that happen,
and that's that's a really good result for them to
come to the table and say yeah, let's do this together.
And that's exactly the types of solutions that we are
working towards. And you know that Saturday court, I'm going
(05:53):
to be working with my agencies and areas around the
court to see what is possible as quickly as possible.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
So how soon could that happen that court sits on Saturdays.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Well, it's as soon as possible from my perspective, Katie,
because you know, we need to get through these you
know this huge demands that the courts are under. You
know that the crime we've changed all the laws and
that's exactly what we wanted to do. And now it's
about getting in and making sure that we're dealing with
the pressures that are in the courts. And if that
means that you know, in the past that there hasn't
been a real desire for the courts to sit on
(06:25):
after hours or on a weekend, but I mean things
have really shifted and we were at a time where
that really is going to be you know, no choice
but to make that a reality.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
So in your opinion, I mean, is that days away?
Is it weeks away? Like I'm just trying to give
the community a bit of an understanding because it is
really something that is a concern right now.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
It is, it is, and I guess there's a couple
of other factors to that as well, Like we've obviously
we're getting more judges appointed, which also frees up that
court space as well to get them working. You know,
more court rooms available so that people could be heard.
And of course this is all about those justice of victims,
I might add, and you know that that. I guess
that the extended hours of the court, like it is
(07:08):
a process we have to go through. There's some changes
in legislation we have to make, but I will be
working day or night to try and get that done
as quickly as possible for the community. I guess the
other point to this is, you know, the community safety
is our number one priority and that's why we you know,
the police are out apprehending people that are doing seriously
(07:29):
wrong things and you know that they're going to be
taken to a watchhouse and obviously they'll be dealt with
with repport.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
So legislation is required in order to extend those hours
to a Saturday. Is that legislation going to be introduced
on urgency next week?
Speaker 3 (07:44):
We're still working through that detail, Katie. So we'll have
more to say on that for your listeners, you know,
in the coming period. I guess I just want to
be really clear with Territorians that this is an option
that I am absolutely prepared and dedicated to look into.
We do need to have the justice system and the
(08:04):
players in that space on board with that as well,
because you know, we want to make sure that everyone
is going to be able to work towards the same solution,
and so that work is already underway. Those conversations have started,
and the fact that now Legal Aid have said they're
prepared to do the same, and the Criminal Oys Association
has as well, really looking forward to nudge you're also
(08:24):
supporting that move, and you know, if we can all
work together on this and collaborate, then I think we're
one step closer to being able to solve some of
the really high demand issues that we have.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
Just very quickly. In terms of the more judges being
appointed and more courtrooms, it sounds as tho it could
be a bit of a teared approach in terms of
first off, doing the Saturday court days, and that could
potentially happen quite quickly. Additional judges and more courtrooms. Sounds
like it could take a little bit longer. How long
do you anticipate.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
I think the judges part of it, that process has
been well underway for some time now, so that is imminent,
and you know, we're working through those final decisions and
details currently, so I can't imagine that be very far away.
And then of course you know that of course the
courts can also look within and see what else they
can be doing to try and you know, do I
(09:16):
guess more in the time that they.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Already have have you directed them to do that?
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Well? As Attorney General, I can't tell them exactly what
to do without that legislation, but I have very a
lot of conversations with a lot of people in that space,
including the Chief Judge and the Chief Justice, and so
you know, those conversations continue, and you know, like with
all the other legal services that are involved in the
justice system, like the police, like the corrections, we have
(09:43):
regular conversations and we we're working towards the same outcome
and those solutions to these long standing problems which didn't
appear overnight. And the difference you know that I see
as our government is that we're actually taking those steps
and working till towards those solutions that are absolutely needed,
because we know, after a very long time, we didn't
(10:04):
have the focus that was needed on these areas.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
May clear, Booby, are you going to be sitting down
with NAJA following on from those comments that were made?
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Well, Katie, I actually meet with NAGA quite regularly, and
I've always said to them that my door is always
open to call me any time and to speak to
me and my office and come in for meetings, and
that happens on a very regular occasion. So you know,
the acting CEO did actually call me after I put
(10:34):
my statement out in response to his comments on the
ABC radio and you know, so I'm going to catch
up with him and sit down with him. You know
the fact that he wants the FEDS to cut funding
because he wants to have a meeting, I just we're
already having these meetings all the time, So you know,
it's it's just really disheartening that, you know, we're all
(10:56):
trying to work towards solutions.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm not.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I don't I don't understand why. You know, he felt
the need to draw the Watchhouse situation into anti remote
policing as a federally funded activity that you know, like
I said before, we absolutely need the commerce support for
our remote policing. We you know, all it does is
put uncertainty out there for our hard working police. That
(11:20):
alongside the record spend that we're doing in police courts
and corrections is you know, is the work that's needed.
Plus the legislation changes, plus working with the justice systems
to free up the numbers of matters that they can
hear so that we can get people through the courts
and on the way to a life beyond crime, and
you know, something that everyone really wants to see for
our community. And of course, like I always say, community
(11:43):
safety is a number one priority and if people are
out there doing the wrong thing, we make no apologies
that we will find them a bed so that they're
not out in our streets committing the same sorts of crimes.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
Mary Clapbuobee. Obviously he was raising concerns about an eleven
year old. He said that he represented being low in
the watchhouse with the lights on twenty four to seven
reports as well by the ABC radio that there was
menstrual blood smeared on walls, that people are going into toilets,
so we having to go to the toilet, I should
say in front of in front of others. I mean,
(12:16):
do you think those conditions are appropriate, Katie.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
I know that the Commissioner for Corrections was on your
show earlier this week and made it really clear that
those watchhouses and our corrections facilities, they have all of
the things where the needs of those people in there
are being met. You know, there's regular health checkups, they
have hygiene available for them, they get fed every day.
It's not ideal, it's not a nice place to be
(12:42):
in and nobody should want to be in there for
any length of time. But again, you know, the alternative
is that those people that are committing really serious crimes
are out in our community and that's just something that
we won't stand for.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Mary Claire A very quick one. How much funding does
the Northern Territory provide to NAJA.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
So the funding for NAGA comes from the federal government
and you know he's quite substantial and of course there's
a range of services that they provide based on that funding,
and so you know, the territory government does work alongside
NARJA to make sure those services are being delivered and
they've got a really, really important role to play because
(13:23):
not only do they represent people who are facing court
on charges, but you know, they need to work alongside
those so that the victims that are involved in these
cases actually see justice. And that's the other really important
part of the role that NAJA has. They definitely have
a seat of the table when it comes to catching
up with me regularly, and we will continue to work
(13:43):
with them alongside of others such as Legal Aid who'd
come forward with those solutions, and you know, we'll have
to just keep working on this to see the other side.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Mary Claire, very quickly, I know your press for time
as am I, but very quickly to anybody listening this morning,
that feels as though the government have got it all
wrong with putting people in the watch houses that are overcrowded.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
What would you say to them, Katie, I think if
you're not doing the wrong thing, you're not out there
committing serious offenses and you absolutely have nothing to worry about.
The situation is not ideal in terms of being in
having this setup where people are in watch houses. That's
not something that is new, that's been happening for a
long time. Now we're prepared to fix it. We've taken
(14:25):
all of the steps that are necessary and continue to
in terms of bringing on those extra beds in corrections
and ensuring that our justice system can meet the demand.
It's a very tricky one and we won't stop this.
The work has only just started and there's so much
more work to come.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Well, Murray Claire Boothby, Attorney General for the Northern Territories,
thank you for your time this morning.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Thank you, Katie, and to your listeners, thank you.
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