The curfew imposed on youths in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) has been extended by six days, following ’emergency meetings’ between Northern Territory authorities.
Originally imposed for a two-week period following unrest in the town, the curfew prohibits anyone under 18 from being in public in the town between 6pm-6am.
The extension coincides with the remainder of the school holidays in the territory, and was announced by Chief Minister Eva Lawley on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite warnings earlier this month that the curfew is possibly illegal, Lawler decided on the extension following a meeting of the Territory Emergency Management Council.
“We’ve seen very encouraging results,” the chief minister told a press conference.
“[Once] it has ended, the police, the Department of Education, Territory Families, Health and other providers will continue to work together much closer than they have been doing.”
Ms Lawler also flagged the findings of a review conducted by retired territory officer Vince Kelly, which she said had recommended “significant increases” to resourcing for the territory’s police force.
Local Elders last week expressed their displeasure with the implementation of the curfew.
“We weren’t consulted, we were not aware of what was happening,” said Kumalie Kngwarraye from the Strong Grandmothers Group from the Central Desert Region.
“It’s inappropriate, it’s insulting and making us feel that we’re not part of the system or the solution.”
Jared Sharp, principle legal officer at North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, said his organisation was “extremely disappointed” with the curfew, and dismissed its effectiveness.
“We don’t think this is a productive way forward. It’s a Band-Aid solution, it’s a retrograde step, it’s not going to make the community safer.
“It’s just going to criminalise incredible vulnerable young people.”
However some federal politicians, including Linda Burney and Marion Scrymgour, said the curfew provided a necessary “circuit breaker”.
“Everyone wants this to work. I think the curfew was a great circuit breaker, it just put the calm in place that needed to be put in place,” Scrymgour told Sky News on Tuesday.
“I think whilst people have criticised it and talked about the distress of, particularly some of those young people … during this time we need to take stock and have a look at what are some of the long term strategies and work that we need to do.”
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