NORTHERN TERRITORY REINSTATES JAILING OF 10-YEAR-OLDS

AUSTRALIA NEWS

18th October 2024

By Oyenike

NORTHERN TERRITORY REINSTATES JAILING OF 10-YEAR-OLDS

The Northern Territory (NT) of Australia will soon allow children as young as 10 to be imprisoned again, following a decision to lower the age of criminal responsibility. The government faced pressure to raise this age from 10 to 14, aligning with recommendations from other developed nations and the UN.

Although the NT previously increased the age to 12, the newly elected Country Liberal Party believes reverting to 10 is essential to combat youth crime. Critics, including medical professionals and human rights groups, argue that this measure will not effectively reduce crime and will disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who already face higher incarceration rates.

The new government insists it has a mandate from voters to implement these changes, following a campaign focused on being tough on crime. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro stated that the change would allow courts to intervene in the lives of young offenders and provide programs to address the underlying issues leading to their crimes. The NT government will also tighten bail rules as part of its commitment to making the territory safer.

The NT government claims this change will enable early intervention in the lives of young offenders, aiming to redirect them away from future criminal behaviour.

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AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE CRITICISED FOR BUYING LUXURY HOME DURING HOUSING CRISIS

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism after purchasing a multi-million-dollar home on a cliff during a national housing crisis. This decision comes just months before an election where housing and cost of living are significant topics. Albanese defended his decision, emphasising his past struggles and the need to be close to his fiancée’s family.

He stated that despite his current financial status, he empathises with Australians facing housing difficulties. Critics argue that the move is insensitive, especially given the ongoing housing affordability issues in Australia. The NT government has introduced a $10 billion investment fund for social and affordable housing, but other initiatives have faced obstacles in parliament.

Research indicates that Australian cities rank poorly in housing affordability, with Sydney being one of the worst globally. This controversy has sparked a broader debate on housing policies and the need for more ambitious reforms to address the crisis effectively.

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NSW POLICE OFFICERS EXPOSED FOR SERIOUS MISCONDUCT TOWARDS VULNERABLE ABORIGINAL MAN IN CUSTODY, REPORTS COMMISSION

The New South Wales Police oversight body has identified “grave misconduct” by three officers in their handling of a vulnerable Aboriginal detainee. The incident dates back to May 2020, when the 29-year-old man was arrested following a search warrant at his home. Charged with larceny and break-and-enter offenses, he was taken into custody.

Despite receiving legal advice from two solicitors to avoid interviews, the officers proceeded to interrogate him. During one of the interviews, the man repeatedly requested to stop and consult his solicitor again, but his pleas were ignored.

Additionally, one officer provided false information during the interview and included inaccuracies in his statement. A pre-trial ruling in April 2022 by Judge Siobhan Herbert found that the interviews were conducted improperly and illegally, leading to the exclusion of the admissions made.

Consequently, all charges against the man were withdrawn. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) launched an investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Pamir,’ and concluded that the officers had engaged in serious misconduct.

The New South Wales Police

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NORTHERN TERRITORY AIR BASE SERVES AS LAUNCH SITE FOR U.S. STRIKE ON HOUTHI WEAPON DEPOTS

The Australian Defence Department verified its backing for U.S. operations on October 17, permitting access and flight paths for U.S. planes. A defence representative highlighted Australia’s dedication to assisting the U.S. in neutralizing Houthi threats to international trade.

While the U.S. did not explicitly mention Iran, the use of B-2 bombers, capable of targeting deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities, was seen as a clear demonstration of the United States’ ability to reach and destroy fortified underground sites. This operation underscored the U.S.’s global strike capabilities, showcasing their readiness to take action against such targets whenever necessary. The U.S. Central Command issued a statement detailing the precision airstrikes on storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

These facilities housed various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The strikes targeted the Houthis’ hardened underground facilities containing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions.

Justin Bassi, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, described the operation as unprecedented in scale and means. He noted that the raid, overshadowed by global attention on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was a significant international event. Bassi highlighted that the use of B-2 bombers to destroy underground facilities in Yemen containing sophisticated weaponry supplied by Iran sent a direct message of power and deterrence to both the Houthis and Iran.

The Australian Defence Department verified its backing for the US operations on October 17, permitting access and flight paths for US planes

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KING AND QUEEN ARRIVE IN SYDNEY FOR AUSTRALIAN TOUR

King Charles and Queen Camilla commenced their six-day Australian tour with a ceremonial welcome at Sydney Airport, attended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

This marks the King’s inaugural visit since ascending as head of state in 2022. Their itinerary features meetings with political figures, backing environmental initiatives, and a naval inspection.

The visit has sparked renewed discussions on Australia’s potential shift to a republic. The King, currently receiving cancer treatment, will temporarily halt his therapy for this journey. Despite the rainy welcome, the Queen received flowers from young well-wishers, and the royal couple will have a day to rest before starting their official engagements.

This visit is the King’s 17th to Australia but first as monarch and also includes a private meeting with the Prime Minister at Admiralty House.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sydney Airport

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