Date:  10 December 2007

PARENTS OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS
MUST BE MORE ACCOUNTABLE

Chief Minister Paul Henderson says he wants to see new laws in place to hold irresponsible parents to account for repeat offending by their children.

“Parenting is one of the toughest jobs of all,” Mr Henderson said.

“The overwhelming majority of Territory parents go to any length to protect, look after and raise their children well, but sadly there is a small number of parents in the Territory who give every impression of not giving a damn.

“Their children and the rest of us are paying the price.

“Police, teachers and welfare workers complain to me time and time again that when they are trying to get these kids back on track, a small number of irresponsible parents do nothing to help and are often a big part of the problem.

“When a child is found guilty of repeat offending –repeat vandalism, unlawful entries and assaults - it makes sense that a close look is made at all the circumstances and whether the parents are trying to part to be part of the solution.

“I want to see laws in place that will help get irresponsible parents up to the plate and more accountable for their children’s actions.

“I have tasked the Attorney-General to prepare a package of measures as a matter of priority, with the target of introducing it to Parliament in February.”

“Territorians are bearing the brunt of this small number of repeat juvenile offenders and parents who don’t give a damn – this new package is about building a safer community for us all.”

Contact: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389