Feds warn NT's law-and-order agenda could breach human rights
Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has expressed concerns that the Northern Territory's law and order reforms may violate children's human rights. In a letter to NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby, she emphasized the need for adequate legal representation for children facing court. Boothby acknowledged the pressures on the justice system but asserted that the government is addressing these challenges.
- ▪Michelle Rowland warned that the NT government's crime policies risk breaching international human rights obligations.
- ▪She urged the NT government to ensure that children do not face court unrepresented.
- ▪Marie-Clare Boothby recognized the increased pressure on the justice system but believes the government is managing it adequately.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Federal Attorney-General warns NT crime agenda could breach children's human rightsBy Jason Walls and Olivana LathourisTopic:Justice SystemWed 27 May 2026 at 5:11pmWed 27 May 2026 at 5:11pmWed 27 May 2026 at 5:11pmMichelle Rowland says "no child should face charges or court processes without legal representation". (ABC News: Matt Roberts)In short:Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has written to her Northern Territory counterpart, Marie-Clare Boothby, raising concerns that the government's law and order reforms may be "inconsistent" with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.The letter urged Ms Boothby to consider additional measures "to ensure baseline criminal legal assistance capacity remains sustainable in the face of increased demand" so children did not…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).