NT Police say youth curfew not possible for Katherine amid crime fears

Northern Territory Police have stated they are unable to enact a youth curfew in Katherine, a decision that follows a recent dangerous driving spree that has alarmed the local community. The incident involved a stolen car being driven around town with occupants seen hanging from the windows, endangering residents.

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I support calls from the community and Katherine Town Council for the NT government to urgently intervene and stop the spike in youth crime that is having a devastating effect on the town and its residents.

Authorities have charged a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident. An 11-year-old boy has also been summoned to court, and police are working to identify four other individuals involved. The community, located about 300 kilometers south of Darwin, has voiced fears and frustration over persistent youth crime.

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I call on the chief minister … to declare a curfew in Katherine to give the community the support and respite it deserves.

Marion Scrymgour, the Labor Member for Lingiari, had supported calls for a curfew, suggesting it could act as a "much-needed, short-term circuit breaker." However, NT Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst ruled out a curfew, stating the dangerous driving spree did not meet the "public disorder" threshold required by law. He indicated that a "riot" would be necessary to trigger such a response.

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That's not applicable to this scenario.

Instead of a curfew, police plan to increase their presence and resources in Katherine. Assistant Commissioner Wurst is scheduled to meet with Katherine Mayor Joanna Holden to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, Member for Katherine and NT Education Minister Jo Hersey has not supported the curfew calls, expressing concern about potential reputational damage to the region.

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It does not fit the definition as the legislation is constructed.