Tougher Bail Tests for People Accused of Serious Offences
Bail and Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Introduced by: The Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA (CLP) — Chief Minister
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Lia Finocchiaro CLP
“Madam Speaker, I present a Bill titled the Bail and Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Serial 24, and table the explanatory statement. 1601 --- Debates and Questions Wednesday 30 April 2025 Meeting No 19 I move that the Bill be now read a first time.”
Selena Uibo ALP
“Madam Speaker, the Nightcliff Friendly Grocer has always lived up to its name. For many decades it has been the place for the freshest produce in Darwin, but it has always been much more than that. I have been told by many that it is a place where a smile, a kind word or a bit of a laugh is guaranteed--a place that leaves you feeling good, connected and part of a community.”
Gerard Maley CLP
“Madam Speaker, I support the Bail and Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. This Bill strengthens Declan’s law and ensures that community safety is front and centre when determining bail. The Bill also amends the Youth Justice Act in relation to detention as a last resort.”
“Madam Speaker, we stand in solidarity with the community and the Feick family, who last week had their husband, father, brother and uncle taken from them tragically and too soon. Territorians have every right to feel heartbroken, frustrated and angry and be grieving over this recent tragic event. I acknowledge Samara Laverty in the Chamber today.”
“Madam Speaker, I support this Bill. I acknowledge the presence of Samara Laverty in this Chamber. Thank you again, Samara, for your ongoing support for Territorians.”
Chanston Paech ALP
“Madam Speaker, I offer my condolences to the family, friends and community members of Mr Feick, who was taken from his community. 1620 --- Debates and Questions Wednesday 30 April 2025 Meeting No 19 I acknowledge Samara Laverty who is with us today. I also acknowledge the eight Aboriginal women who have been brutally murdered in the Northern Territory this year alone.”
“Madam Speaker, like other members I extend my sincere condolences to Margaret and Linford’s family and friends on this sad occasion. I will not claim to know the severity of the grief you are going through, but I pray you are comforted by the overwhelming support you have received from our local community.”
Joshua Burgoyne CLP
“Madam Speaker, I support the bail amendment Bill. I will start, like many have, by acknowledging Linford’s family and the community grieving. I acknowledge other losses across the Northern Territory that have left the community reeling and feeling as though more needs to be done to ensure community safety in the NT is addressed. Since coming to office our government has strengthened bail laws.”
Matthew Kerle CLP
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I support this Bill. I acknowledge the family of Linford Feick. For many years my mother collected their unsold vegetables for our chickens. They were truly a friendly local grocer. On Saturday I attended the candlelight vigil with the Member for Nightcliff and many other members of this House, and gave my condolences to Ben and to Lin’s wife, Margaret.”
Robyn Cahill CLP
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bail and Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. Before I speak to my reasons for supporting this Bill I express, as my colleagues and those on the other side have done, my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Linford Feick who tragically lost his life in circumstances that have left our community reeling.”
Jo Hersey CLP
“Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Linford Feick and the broader community that is mourning the loss of a loved one and dedicated community member. When at the Nightcliff markets on Sundays I would pop into the store.”
Khoda Patel CLP
“Madam Speaker, today is not just a sitting of parliament; it is a moment of truth for the Northern Territory. Today we answer a simple but powerful question: who do we protect--the community or the criminals? We say the community--always. That is why this government under the leadership of Chief Minister Finocchiaro has brought forward the toughest bail laws in the nation.”