The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s proposed ‘tough on crime’ measures that will see pepper spray on the street next week and bus cops armed with guns by early next year will not produce safer communities, a group of unions, non-government organisations, community medical groups, Victims of Crime NT and faith-based bodies say, after penning an open letter to the Chief Minister calling for sanity to be restored.

“We are alarmed about the potential consequences of NT Government policies,” the letter states.

“Arming the public with pepper spray risks escalating violent incidents. Allowing guns on public transport and in public housing exposes the poor and marginalised to an increased risk of violence, arrest and even the possibility of deaths in custody.

“The NT Government is rolling out thes

See Full Page