NT government says no more ‘coddling criminals’ or ‘identity politics’ after experts walk out over ignored advice
News Source
•Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:17:55 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Northern Territory government has hit back after independent justice experts stood down. Seven members of the Northern Territory Justice Policy Partnership (NTJPP) said they would suspend their work for six months. They spoke of a 'breakdown in genuine dialogue, partnership and shared decision-making'. They also described a 'facade of scrutiny, dialogue and collaboration'.
The attorney general, Marie-Clare Boothby, answered firmly. She said there would be 'no more coddling criminals, no more talk-fests, and no more identity politics'. She said the Country Liberal Party government is doing what it promised: reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore the Territory lifestyle.
🔍 The Backstory
The NTJPP is a non-government panel of independent justice experts and representatives of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Its job was to improve justice outcomes for First Nations people. In a formal letter on Thursday night, members announced their six-month pause over ignored advice.
The split shows a bigger fight over crime policy in the Northern Territory. The CLP government has promised tough action on crime. Experts say real change needs genuine partnership with First Nations communities. Relations between the government and independent advisers are now badly strained.
🎯 Why It Matters
Crime and justice affect everyone in the Northern Territory. First Nations people are a large share of the population, so fair treatment in the justice system matters. When experts walk away, the chance for safer, fairer communities may be lost.
The Northern Territory government has hit back after independent justice experts stood down. Seven members of the Northern Territory Justice Policy Partnership (NTJPP) said they would suspend their work for six months. They spoke of a 'breakdown in genuine dialogue, partnership and shared decision-making'. They also described a 'facade of scrutiny, dialogue and collaboration'.
The attorney general, Marie-Clare Boothby, answered firmly. She said there would be 'no more coddling criminals, no more talk-fests, and no more identity politics'. She said the Country Liberal Party government is doing what it promised: reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore the Territory lifestyle.
The NTJPP is a non-government panel of independent justice experts and representatives of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Its job was to improve justice outcomes for First Nations people. In a formal letter on Thursday night, members announced their six-month pause over ignored advice.
The split shows a bigger fight over crime policy in the Northern Territory. The CLP government has promised tough action on crime. Experts say real change needs genuine partnership with First Nations communities. Relations between the government and independent advisers are now badly strained.
Crime and justice affect everyone in the Northern Territory. First Nations people are a large share of the population, so fair treatment in the justice system matters. When experts walk away, the chance for safer, fairer communities may be lost.