This state’s controversial measure slams $925 fine for doing this in public spaces!
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Cracking down on bad behaviour in public spaces isn’t anything new, but now, it’s set to hit the hip pocket hard.
With fresh laws on the horizon, those caught sipping on a drink in certain areas may face more than just a slap on the wrist.
In the Northern Territory, that could soon mean a hefty $925 fine for anyone caught having a sneaky drink in banned spots.
This controversial measure, expected to pass in parliament next week, is part of the NT government's latest strategy to curb crime and promote community safety.
The 'nuisance public drinking rules' were designed to give police the authority to not only issue fines but also to arrest those who violate the law.
Offenders could find themselves placed on a banned drinkers registry for a week, a move that Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro believed would be instrumental in preventing crime.
‘Public drinking is a really important part of stopping crime before it's happened,’ she said.
‘This is about making sure we intervene early in nuisance public drinking to stop crime, particularly domestic and family violence, happening later in the evening.’
However, the introduction of these new laws has sparked a debate among experts who fear that the rules may exacerbate existing issues rather than solve them.
Critics argue that the laws could affect Indigenous Australians and homeless people.
Dr Cassandra Wright from the Menzies School of Health Research expressed concerns about the potential for these laws to compound racism.
'We know from previous research on safe search and seizure laws that it does tend to compound kind of racism and experiences of racism,' she said.
'There’s racial profiling that kind of happens in the police's decision making.'
Moreover, Dr Wright suggested that the new rules may not effectively address the underlying issues they aim to combat.
'The research shows that it’s not actually likely to reduce things like assaults or like property crimes and things that Territorians are kind of saying they’re worried about,' she explained.
Have you witnessed the effects of similar legislation in your community? Do you believe there are better ways to address public safety concerns? Let us know in the comments below.
With fresh laws on the horizon, those caught sipping on a drink in certain areas may face more than just a slap on the wrist.
In the Northern Territory, that could soon mean a hefty $925 fine for anyone caught having a sneaky drink in banned spots.
This controversial measure, expected to pass in parliament next week, is part of the NT government's latest strategy to curb crime and promote community safety.
The 'nuisance public drinking rules' were designed to give police the authority to not only issue fines but also to arrest those who violate the law.
‘Nuisance public drinking rules’ in NT will be expected to pass in parliament next week. Credit: Shutterstock
Offenders could find themselves placed on a banned drinkers registry for a week, a move that Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro believed would be instrumental in preventing crime.
‘Public drinking is a really important part of stopping crime before it's happened,’ she said.
‘This is about making sure we intervene early in nuisance public drinking to stop crime, particularly domestic and family violence, happening later in the evening.’
However, the introduction of these new laws has sparked a debate among experts who fear that the rules may exacerbate existing issues rather than solve them.
Critics argue that the laws could affect Indigenous Australians and homeless people.
Dr Cassandra Wright from the Menzies School of Health Research expressed concerns about the potential for these laws to compound racism.
'We know from previous research on safe search and seizure laws that it does tend to compound kind of racism and experiences of racism,' she said.
'There’s racial profiling that kind of happens in the police's decision making.'
Moreover, Dr Wright suggested that the new rules may not effectively address the underlying issues they aim to combat.
'The research shows that it’s not actually likely to reduce things like assaults or like property crimes and things that Territorians are kind of saying they’re worried about,' she explained.
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