Fed: PM defends mandatory sentencing deal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2000
Fed: PM defends mandatory sentencing deal

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has defended his mandatory sentencing deal, saying it will
help keep young people in the Northern Territory out of the court system.

The Northern Territory will water down its controversial mandatory sentencing laws
after it agreed to a $5 million a year deal with the federal government today.

Mr HOWARD announced the breakthrough in parliament following crisis talks on the issue
in Sydney last night.

NT Chief Minister DENIS BURKE has agreed to lift the age of those who face juvenile
courts from 17 to 18 years, and to force police to divert young people away from the courts
system.

Mr HOWARD's told ABC television the deal offers an alternative to mandatory sentencing
for juveniles who commit minor crimes.

AAP RTV daw/msk/wz

KEYWORD: MANDATORY HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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