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16 February 2000
Northern Territory News headlines - please bring back the crocs
'Man smashed mum's window: jail'
Another victory for mandatory sentencing is reported today with a 21 year old sentenced to 14 days jail for smashing his mum's window. His mother was distraught and said that she never realised her son would go to jail, despite her lodging the complaint. What possible benefit can anyone derive from this sentence?
'Options for offenders'
The Correctional Services Minister has approved an extra 11 diversionary programs for juvenile offenders from remote areas, with another 10 being developed. A good step but they would still not present an option for the poor gentleman above.
'Flood fears rise as more rain tipped'
'Alice Springs residents are bracing themselves for more rain with fears flooding could worsen over the coming days'. Meanwhile the sub-headline 'Shops full' reported that Coles and Woolworths in Darwin remained fully stocked as rail transport was being used to cart goods. Yet at Woolworths in Nightcliff last night, the shop assistants were happy to blame the floods for the absence of some items from the shelves
'Court told rioters ate fellow inmates'
Rioting prisoners in Argentina have been accused of devouring fellow inmates in stews and empanadas during an eight-day rampage. Maybe they need some healing from the reformed Phillipine priest cannibal as reported last week.
'Labels to fight fake art'
The National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association was championing the introduction of a new labelling system identifying the work of Aboriginal artists. Apparently 'fake' domestic and overseas Aboriginal art costs the local industry millions of dollars each year. I wonder whether the new system will cut out the 'authentic didgeridoos' and the like from locations where they were never part of Aboriginal culture eg Central Australia.
OK my will power gives in
'NT boy cannot be a 'martyr''
The Chief Minister has a two page spread today to respond to the critics of mandatory sentencing. The main argument presented is simple punishment for offending. Supporting this is the argument that we went to the polls with this policy and we got voted in. It also claims that Aboriginal crime figures are higher in most other states. He also repeats his contention that mandatory sentencing had nothing to do with the death of a 15 year old boy last week.
Remember this when the next election comes up. And in the meantime just don’t pilfer anything from work, folks.
Modern art at its best
'Goldfish blender unplugged'
'A Danish artist unveiled an installation at the weekend giving visitors the power of life and death over his art - 10 goldfish swimming in food blenders, with a tempting 'on' button within reach of the public. Police acting on a complaint unplugged the blenders'.
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