YOUTH JUSTICE ACT 2005
Note
In order to give effect to the Cross-border Justice Act 2009, this law must be
applied with the modifications mentioned in section 13 of the Cross-border
Justice Act 2009 as if this law had been altered in that way.
For modifications of this law prescribed by regulation, see Part 3, Division 16
of the Cross-border Justice Regulations 2009.
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
YOUTH JUSTICE ACT 2005
As in force at 4 September 2025
Table of provisions
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 1 General matters
1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Objects ............................................................................................ 1
4 Principles ......................................................................................... 2
Division 2 Interpretation matters
5 Interpretation ................................................................................... 3
6 Meaning of youth ............................................................................. 8
7 Intimate procedures ......................................................................... 9
8 Non-intimate procedures ................................................................. 9
9 Illicit drug or substance .................................................................. 10
Division 3 Use of force generally
10 Use of force generally .................................................................... 10
Part 2 Apprehension and remand
Division 1 General matters
12 Application of Part ......................................................................... 11
13 Definitions ...................................................................................... 11
14 Register of appropriate support persons ....................................... 11
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Youth Justice Act 2005 ii
Division 2 Police powers and obligations
15 Explanations by police officers ...................................................... 12
16 Guidelines in relation to arrest of youths ....................................... 12
17 Authorised officer to be notified ..................................................... 13
18 Interview of youth .......................................................................... 13
19 Search of youth ............................................................................. 14
20 Search must be by person of same gender ................................... 15
21 Authorised officer must consent to prosecution ............................. 15
22 Charge to be by summons except in certain cases ....................... 16
23 Responsible adults to be informed ................................................ 16
24 Detention of youth not admitted to bail .......................................... 17
25 Detained youth requiring medical attention.................................... 17
26 Separation from adults where practicable ..................................... 18
27 Youth to be brought before Court promptly ................................... 18
Division 3 Forensic procedures
28 Interpretation ................................................................................. 19
29 Restriction on carrying out procedure ............................................ 19
30 Intimate procedure......................................................................... 19
31 Non-intimate procedure ................................................................. 21
32 Voluntary non-intimate procedure.................................................. 23
33 Identifying procedure ..................................................................... 23
34 Youth to be provided with copy of report ....................................... 24
Division 4 Support persons and authorised officers
35 Support person .............................................................................. 24
36 Authorised officers ......................................................................... 25
Part 3 Diversion of youth
37 Purpose and application of Part..................................................... 26
38 Definitions ...................................................................................... 26
38A Meaning of prescribed offence ...................................................... 26
39 Diversion of youth .......................................................................... 26
40 Diversion in circumstances where youth denies behaviour ........... 27
41 Effect of diverting youth ................................................................. 28
42 Extension of limitation period ......................................................... 28
42A Reporting on diversion of youth ..................................................... 28
43 Publication of information of diversion ........................................... 29
44 No review or appeal....................................................................... 29
Part 4 Youth Justice Court
45 Continuation and constitution ........................................................ 30
46 Exercise of jurisdiction ................................................................... 30
46A Changes in constitution of Court during proceedings .................... 30
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Youth Justice Act 2005 iii
47 Registrar of Youth Justice Court .................................................... 31
48 Where Youth Justice Court may be held ....................................... 32
49 Proceedings to be in closed court.................................................. 32
50 Restriction of publication................................................................ 33
51 Youth in need of protection ............................................................ 36
Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 1 Jurisdiction and proceedings generally
52 Jurisdiction of Youth Justice Court ................................................ 37
53 Application of other Acts ................................................................ 37
54 Court to deal with matters summarily except in certain cases ....... 38
54A Exception if adult offender would be liable to life imprisonment..... 38
55 Indictable offence tried summarily if youth consents ..................... 38
56 Court may decline to hear and determine charge summarily ........ 39
56A Youth may elect to be tried summarily ........................................... 39
56B Youth and adult charged – joint preliminary examination .............. 40
57 Referral to Supreme Court for sentencing ..................................... 40
58 Pleas in summary hearing ............................................................. 41
59 Exclusion of evidence unlawfully obtained .................................... 41
60 Points of law may be reserved for consideration of Supreme
Court .............................................................................................. 42
61 Court must explain proceedings to youth ...................................... 43
62 Legal representation of youth ........................................................ 43
63 Responsible adults to attend court ................................................ 43
64 Court may refer youth to diversion................................................. 44
64A Youth Justice Court may dismiss charges ..................................... 44
64B Court may order appropriate Agency to enter into family
responsibility agreement with parent of youth................................ 45
65 Court may remand youth ............................................................... 45
Division 2 Reports and submissions
66 Enquiry and examination authorised ............................................. 46
67 Report as to mental condition of youth .......................................... 46
68 Court may seek submissions or reports ........................................ 46
69 Court must require pre-sentence report ......................................... 46
70 Content of pre-sentence report ...................................................... 47
71 Report in certain circumstances .................................................... 48
72 Court may adjourn for report to be prepared ................................. 48
73 Reports to be made available ........................................................ 48
74 Challenge to contents of report...................................................... 49
75 Protection in relation to report........................................................ 49
Division 3 Victim impact statements and victim reports
76 Definitions ...................................................................................... 49
77 Court must consider victim impact statement or victim report........ 50
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Youth Justice Act 2005 iv
78 Victim impact statements ............................................................... 50
79 Victim reports................................................................................. 51
80 Other matters may be addressed .................................................. 51
Division 4 Community court sentencing procedure
80A Definitions ...................................................................................... 52
80B Meaning of Aboriginal experience report ....................................... 52
80C Application for community court sentencing procedure ................. 52
80D Community court sentencing procedure ........................................ 53
80E Information in Aboriginal experience report and responses of
Law and Justice Group .................................................................. 54
80F Rules of Court and practice directions ........................................... 54
Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 1 General principles
81 Principles and considerations to be applied to youth offenders ..... 54
82 Powers of Supreme Court in sentencing ....................................... 55
Division 2 Sentencing options
83 Orders Court may make ................................................................ 56
84 Court may order pre-sentencing conference ................................. 58
85 Non-parole period .......................................................................... 58
86 Fixing non-parole period otherwise than at time of sentencing ...... 58
87 Fixing new non-parole period in respect of multiple sentences ..... 59
88 Court may disqualify youth from holding driving licence ................ 59
89 Restitution...................................................................................... 60
89A Court may order family responsibility agreement be entered
into ................................................................................................. 61
Division 3 Approved programs
90 Matters relating to approved programs .......................................... 61
Division 4 Good behaviour orders
91 Making good behaviour order ........................................................ 62
Division 5 Fines
92 Imposition of fine ........................................................................... 63
Division 6 Community work orders
93 Application and purpose of community work orders ...................... 64
94 Making community work order ....................................................... 64
95 Duties of youth in carrying out community work order ................... 65
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Youth Justice Act 2005 v
96 Breach of community work order ................................................... 65
97 CEO may approve projects............................................................ 66
Division 7 Suspended sentences
98 Making order to suspend sentence................................................ 66
98A Procedural matters ........................................................................ 67
Division 8 Alternative detention orders
99 Application ..................................................................................... 67
100 Making alternative detention order ................................................ 67
101 Circumstances in which alternative detention order may be
made ............................................................................................. 67
102 Conditions of order ........................................................................ 68
103 Procedural matters ........................................................................ 68
104 If more than one alternative detention order made ........................ 69
110 Breach of alternative detention order............................................. 69
Division 9 Periodic detention orders
111 Application ..................................................................................... 69
112 Making periodic detention order .................................................... 70
113 Order must specify number of detention or imprisonment
periods ........................................................................................... 70
114 Conditions of order ........................................................................ 70
115 Procedural matters ........................................................................ 71
116 Order remains in force until served or cancelled ........................... 71
117 Warrant of commitment covers all periods..................................... 72
118 Youth in lawful custody .................................................................. 72
119 Appropriate authority can vary times ............................................. 72
120 Youth unfit for detention or imprisonment ...................................... 73
Division 10 Breach of order and re-offending during
adjournment
121 Breach ........................................................................................... 73
122 Youth offends during adjournment................................................. 74
Division 11 Miscellaneous matters
123 Explanation of orders..................................................................... 75
124 Arrest without warrant if condition breached .................................. 75
125 Aggregate sentences of detention or imprisonment ...................... 75
126 Detention or imprisonment to be concurrent unless otherwise
ordered .......................................................................................... 76
127 Cumulative orders of detention or imprisonment ........................... 76
128 Taking other offences into account ................................................ 76
129 Sentence of detention or imprisonment may be backdated ........... 77
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Youth Justice Act 2005 vi
130 Order of service of sentences of detention or imprisonment ......... 77
131 Further sentence if detainee on parole .......................................... 77
133 Parents liable for costs of detention............................................... 78
134 Forfeiture of bail............................................................................. 79
135 Registrar may disclose name of youth........................................... 80
137 Procedure where youth before another court ................................ 80
138 Procedure where adult before Youth Justice Court ....................... 81
139 Court has jurisdiction ..................................................................... 81
140 Referred proceedings valid ............................................................ 81
Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and
monitoring
Division 1 Community youth justice officers
140AA Community youth justice officers ................................................... 82
Division 2 Monitoring
140AB Approval of monitoring devices...................................................... 83
140AC Direction by community youth justice officer .................................. 83
140AD CEO may direct use of approved monitoring device...................... 83
140AE Compliance with monitoring order ................................................. 83
Division 3 Alcohol and drug testing
140AF Prescribed alcohol/drug tests ........................................................ 84
140AG Tampering with test samples ......................................................... 85
140AH Evidentiary matters in relation to prescribed alcohol/drug tests ..... 85
Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within
the family
Division 1 Preliminary
140A Definitions ...................................................................................... 86
140B Guiding principles .......................................................................... 87
140C How Agency acts for the purposes of this Act ............................... 87
140CA Relationship of this Part to Court powers ...................................... 87
Division 2 Family responsibility agreements
140D Power to enter into family responsibility agreement ...................... 87
140E Family responsibility agreement .................................................... 88
140F Family responsibility agreement not to give rise to enforceable
obligations ..................................................................................... 89
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Division 3 Family circumstances
140G Inquiries into family circumstances ................................................ 89
140H General provisions about inquiry ................................................... 90
Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences
and appeals
141 Reconsideration of sentence ......................................................... 91
142 Review of sentencing orders ......................................................... 91
143 Court may re-open proceeding to correct sentencing errors ......... 93
144 Appeal to Supreme Court .............................................................. 94
145 Appeal operates as stay ................................................................ 94
146 Single Judge may refer appeal to Full Court.................................. 94
147 Powers of Supreme Court on appeal............................................. 94
Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 1AA General matters
147A Functions of CEO .......................................................................... 95
147B Powers of CEO .............................................................................. 95
147C Assistance to deal with or prevent emergency or escape .............. 95
Division 1 Detention centres
148 Approval of youth detention centres .............................................. 96
149 Admission to detention centre ....................................................... 96
150 Explanation of rights and responsibilities....................................... 97
Division 2 Superintendent
151 Superintendent of detention centre................................................ 97
152 Powers of superintendent .............................................................. 98
153 Prohibited actions .......................................................................... 98
154 Use of force ................................................................................... 99
155 Use of restraint devices ............................................................... 100
156 Detainee's right to be heard......................................................... 101
157 Delegation by superintendent ...................................................... 101
158 Register of detainees................................................................... 102
158A Register of use of permitted restraints ......................................... 103
Division 2A Separation of detainees
158B Separation in accordance with this Division................................. 103
158C Operational matters ..................................................................... 104
158D Voluntary separation .................................................................... 104
158E Medical separation ...................................................................... 105
158F Behavioural separation ................................................................ 106
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Youth Justice Act 2005 viii
158G Monitoring requirements .............................................................. 108
Division 3 Detainees
159 Sample by buccal swab ............................................................... 108
160 Detainee may be tested for alcohol or illicit drug ......................... 109
161 Search of detainees..................................................................... 109
162 At risk detainees .......................................................................... 111
163 Complaint .................................................................................... 112
Division 4 Miscellaneous matters
164 Detainee who becomes an adult ................................................. 112
165 Superintendent may permit absence from centre ........................ 113
166 Early release by superintendent .................................................. 113
167 Arrest of unlawfully absent detainee ............................................ 113
167A Return to custody ........................................................................ 114
167B Use of detention centre to accommodate sheriff's detainees ...... 114
168 Inspection of detention centre...................................................... 114
168A Transfer of detainee to another detention centre ......................... 115
Part 9 Official visitors
169 Appointment of official visitors ..................................................... 115
170 Functions of official visitors .......................................................... 115
171 Frequency of visits....................................................................... 116
172 Official visitors not to interfere ..................................................... 116
Part 10 Medical treatment for detainees
173 Access to medical practitioner ..................................................... 116
174 Direction of medical practitioner .................................................. 116
175 Taking of medical sample ............................................................ 116
176 Detainee may be required to be examined or treated.................. 117
177 CEO can give consent ................................................................. 117
178 Removal to hospital ..................................................................... 118
179 Custody of detainee in hospital.................................................... 118
180 Notification of illness or death ...................................................... 118
Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths
under supervision
181 Definitions .................................................................................... 119
182 Application of Part ....................................................................... 119
183 Ministers may agree .................................................................... 119
184 Transfer from Territory ................................................................. 120
185 Transfer from State to Territory ................................................... 121
186 Reports ........................................................................................ 121
187 Escort for transfer ........................................................................ 121
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Youth Justice Act 2005 ix
188 Information to be sent to corresponding Minister ......................... 122
189 Sentence transferred ................................................................... 122
190 Order revoked if transferee escapes ........................................... 122
191 Territory transferee subject to supervision ................................... 122
192 Youth subject to supervision in State........................................... 123
Part 12 Offences
193 Escaping from lawful detention .................................................... 123
194 Escape of interstate detainee ...................................................... 124
195 Aiding or abetting escapee .......................................................... 124
196 Loitering ....................................................................................... 124
197 Contraband .................................................................................. 125
198 Communication............................................................................ 125
199 Offence to remove youth ............................................................. 125
200 Obstructing or hindering detention centre staff and other
officers ......................................................................................... 126
201 Personation ................................................................................. 126
Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
214 Confidentiality .............................................................................. 126
215 Immunity ...................................................................................... 128
215A Prosecutions ................................................................................ 128
215B Civil proceedings ......................................................................... 128
216 Delegation by Minister or CEO .................................................... 129
216A Annual report ............................................................................... 129
217 Regulations.................................................................................. 129
Part 15 Repeals and transitional matters for Youth
Justice Act 2005
218 Definition...................................................................................... 131
219 Repeal of Acts ............................................................................. 131
220 Saving of approvals and appointments........................................ 131
221 Orders of Juvenile Court .............................................................. 132
222 Proceedings not completed ......................................................... 132
223 Offences committed before commencement of this Act .............. 132
Part 16 Provisions for Youth Justice Amendment
Act 2010
224 Exercise of jurisdiction under pre-commencement Act ................ 132
225 Matter before Supreme Court at commencement........................ 134
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Youth Justice Act 2005 x
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 1 Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Damage)
Act 2011
226 Transitional matters for Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal
Damage) Act 2011....................................................................... 134
Division 2 Justice and Other Legislation Amendment
Act 2014
227 Application of section 131 to offences committed before
commencement ........................................................................... 135
Division 3 Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2015
228 Application of amendments ......................................................... 135
Division 4 Transitional matters for Youth Justice
Legislation Amendment Act 2017
229 Definitions .................................................................................... 135
230 Immunity continues...................................................................... 136
231 Prosecutions may be made by Commissioner of Correctional
Services ....................................................................................... 136
232 Superseded references to certain offices .................................... 136
Division 5 Transitional matters for Youth Justice
Legislation Amendment Act 2018
233 Definitions .................................................................................... 137
234 Isolated detainees ....................................................................... 137
235 Restrained detainees ................................................................... 137
Division 6 Transitional matters for Youth Justice and
Related Legislation Amendment Act 2019
236 Definitions .................................................................................... 137
237 Application of section 215B after commencement ....................... 137
238 Application of section 215B before commencement .................... 138
Division 7 Transitional matters for Sexual Offences
(Evidence and Procedure) Amendment
Act 2020
239 Publications allowed under section 50(2) .................................... 138
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Youth Justice Act 2005 xi
Division 9 Transitional matters for Sentencing
Legislation Amendment Act 2023
241 Application of Part 5, Division 4 ................................................... 138
Division 10 Transitional matters for Youth Justice
Legislation Amendment Act 2025
242 Definitions .................................................................................... 139
243 Register of appropriate support persons ..................................... 139
244 Amendments to section 81: sentencing principles and
considerations ............................................................................. 139
245 Amendments to section 122: offences during adjournment ......... 139
Schedule Repealed Acts
ENDNOTES
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-- 12 of 161 --
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
____________________
As in force at 4 September 2025
____________________
YOUTH JUSTICE ACT 2005
An Act providing for justice in relation to youths who have committed or
are alleged to have committed offences, and for related matters
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 1 General matters
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Youth Justice Act 2005.
2 Commencement
This Act comes into operation on the date fixed by the Administrator
by notice in the Gazette.
3 Objects
The following are objects of this Act:
(a) to specify the general principles of justice in respect of youth;
(b) to provide for the administration of justice in respect of youth;
(c) to provide how a youth who has committed, or is alleged to
have committed, an offence is to be dealt with;
(d) to ensure that a youth who has committed an offence is made
aware of his or her obligations (and rights) under the law and
of the consequences of contravening the law;
(e) to ensure that a youth who has committed an offence is given
appropriate treatment, punishment and rehabilitation;
(f) to continue in existence the Juvenile Court, established by the
repealed Act, as the Youth Justice Court.
-- 13 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 1 General matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 2
4 Principles
The following are general principles that must be taken into account
in the administration of this Act:
(a) if a youth commits an offence, he or she must be held
accountable and encouraged to accept responsibility for the
behaviour;
(b) the youth should be dealt with in a way that acknowledges his
or her needs and will provide him or her with the opportunity to
develop in socially responsible ways;
(d) a youth must be dealt with in the criminal law system in a
manner consistent with his or her age and maturity and have
the same rights and protection before the law as would an
adult in similar circumstances;
(e) a youth should be made aware of his or her obligations under
the law and of the consequences of contravening the law;
(f) a youth who commits an offence should be dealt with in a way
that allows him or her to be re-integrated into the community;
(g) a balanced approach must be taken between the needs of the
youth, the rights of any victim of the youth's offence and the
interests of the community;
(h) family relationships between a youth and members of his or
her family should, where appropriate, be preserved and
strengthened;
(i) a youth should not be withdrawn unnecessarily from his or her
family environment and there should be no unnecessary
interruption of a youth's education or employment;
(j) a youth's sense of racial, ethnic or cultural identity should be
acknowledged and he or she should have the opportunity to
maintain it;
(k) a victim of an offence committed by a youth should be given
the opportunity to participate in the process of dealing with the
youth for the offence;
(l) a responsible adult in respect of a youth should be
encouraged to fulfil his or her responsibility for the care and
supervision of the youth;
-- 14 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 3
(m) a decision affecting a youth should, as far as practicable, be
made and implemented within a time frame appropriate to the
youth's sense of time;
(n) punishment of a youth must be designed to give him or her an
opportunity to develop a sense of social responsibility and
otherwise to develop in beneficial and socially acceptable
ways;
(o) if practicable, an Aboriginal youth should be dealt with in a
way that involves the youth's community;
(p) programs and services established under this Act for youth
should:
(i) be culturally appropriate; and
(ii) promote their health and self-respect; and
(iii) foster their sense of responsibility; and
(iv) encourage attitudes and the development of skills that
will help them to develop their potential as members of
society;
(q) unless the public interest requires otherwise, criminal
proceedings should not be instituted or continued against a
youth if there are alternative means of dealing with the matter;
(r) as far as practicable, proceedings in relation to youth
offenders must be conducted separately from proceedings in
relation to adult offenders.
Division 2 Interpretation matters
5 Interpretation
(1) In this Act:
Aboriginal means:
(a) a descendant of the Aboriginal people of Australia; or
(b) a descendant of the indigenous inhabitants of the Torres Strait
Islands.
Aboriginal customary law means:
(a) customary law of the Aboriginal people of Australia; or
-- 15 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 4
(b) customary law of the indigenous inhabitants of the Torres
Strait Islands.
Aboriginal experience report, for Part 5, Division 4, see
section 80B.
Aboriginal tradition means:
(a) tradition of the Aboriginal people of Australia; or
(b) tradition of the indigenous inhabitants of the Torres Strait
Islands.
alternative detention order means an order made under
section 83(1)(j).
appropriate authority, in relation to a youth, means:
(a) for a youth sentenced to a term of imprisonment – the
Commissioner of Correctional Services; or
(b) otherwise – the CEO.
approved member, for Part 5, Division 4, see section 80A.
approved monitoring device means a monitoring device
approved under section 140AB.
approved project means a rehabilitation project or work, or both,
approved under section 97.
buccal swab means a procedure where a sample of saliva or
mouth cells is taken from the inside of a person's cheek by use of a
swab.
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer.
charge, in respect of an offence, includes:
(a) an information in respect of an indictable offence; and
(b) a complaint in respect of a summary offence.
community court sentencing procedure, for Part 5, Division 4,
see section 80A.
community work order means an order made under
section 83(1)(h).
-- 16 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 5
community youth justice officer means a person who is
appointed as a community youth justice officer under
section 140AA.
Court means the Youth Justice Court as mentioned in section 45
and, if the context requires, includes the Supreme Court exercising
its jurisdiction under this Act.
custodial correctional facility, see section 11(1)(a) of the
Correctional Services Act 2014.
detainee means a youth lawfully detained in a detention centre.
detention centre means a youth detention centre approved under
section 148.
divert, for Part 3, see section 38.
emergency situation includes a situation in which there is an
imminent risk of a youth:
(a) inflicting self-harm; or
(b) harming another person; or
(c) seriously damaging property.
family responsibility agreement means an agreement under
Part 6A, Division 2.
Fines Recovery Unit means the Fines Recovery Unit established
under the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001.
forensic procedure means an intimate procedure or non-intimate
procedure.
good behaviour order means an order made under
section 83(1)(f).
identifying procedure has the meaning in section 8(2).
illicit drug or substance has the meaning in section 9.
intimate procedure has the meaning in section 7.
Law and Justice Group, for Part 5, Division 4, see
section 107C(2) of the Sentencing Act 1995.
midwife means a person registered under the Health Practitioner
Regulation National Law to practise in the midwifery profession
(other than as a student).
-- 17 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 6
monitoring device means one of the following:
(a) an electronic device attached to, or worn by, a person for one
or more of the following purposes:
(i) to monitor a person's compliance with a monitoring
order;
(ii) to monitor a person's compliance with this Act;
(iii) a purpose prescribed by regulation;
(iv) to enable electronic reporting of the results of the
matters mentioned in subparagraphs (i) to (iii);
(b) a voice recognition system that is designed to:
(i) verify the voice of a particular person; and
(ii) enable the person's geographical location to be
monitored.
monitoring order means any of the following:
(a) an alternative detention order;
(b) any other order made under this Act or the Sentencing
Act 1995 that:
(i) imposes a condition on a youth; and
(ii) requires the CEO or a community youth justice officer to
monitor compliance with the condition;
(c) a parole order as defined in section 3(1) of the Parole
Act 1971.
non-intimate procedure has the meaning in section 8(1).
non-parole period, for a sentence of detention or imprisonment,
means a period fixed by the Court during which the youth is not
eligible to be released on parole.
nurse means a person registered under the Health Practitioner
Regulation National Law to practise in the nursing profession (other
than as a student).
official visitor means a person appointed to be an official visitor
under section 169.
-- 18 of 161 --
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Youth Justice Act 2005 7
parental responsibility means all the duties, powers,
responsibilities and authority which, by law, parents have in relation
to their children.
periodic detention order means an order made under
section 83(1)(k).
permitted restraint means a restraint device prescribed under
section 155(1).
preliminary examination means the procedure under Part V of the
Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928 relating to indictable
offences.
prescribed alcohol/drug test means a test prescribed as
mentioned under section 140AF(6)(a).
prescribed offence, see section 38A.
proceedings, in relation to a youth, includes a preliminary
examination.
prosecutor includes the Director of Public Prosecutions.
relative includes a relative according to Aboriginal tradition or
contemporary social practice, a spouse and a de facto partner.
responsible adult, in respect of a youth, means a person who
exercises parental responsibility for the youth, whether the
responsibility is exercised in accordance with contemporary social
practice, Aboriginal customary law and Aboriginal tradition or in any
other way.
restricted drug, for a youth, means any of the following:
(a) a dangerous drug as defined in section 3(1) of the Misuse of
Drugs Act 1990;
(b) a Schedule 4, 8 or 9 substance as defined in section 7 of the
Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012;
(c) any other drug specified in the youth's monitoring order as one
that the youth is not permitted to use.
support person has the meaning in section 35.
the repealed Act means the Juvenile Justice Act 1983 as in force
immediately before the date on which this Act commences.
-- 19 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 8
victim means:
(a) a person who suffers harm arising from an offence; or
(b) if a person dies as a result of the commission of the offence, a
person who was a relative of, or who was financially or
emotionally dependent on, the deceased person.
youth has the meaning in section 6.
Youth Justice Conference, in relation to a youth, includes:
(a) a conference with the victim or victims of the offence the youth
is believed to have committed; and
(b) a conference with members of the youth's family.
Note for subsection (1)
The Interpretation Act 1978 contains definitions and other provisions that may be
relevant to this Act.
(2) In this Act, if the context requires, Local Court Judge includes a
Supreme Court Judge.
(3) In this Division:
intimate part of the body means any of the following:
(a) the genital area;
(b) the anal area;
(c) the buttocks;
(d) if the youth is a female – the breasts.
non-intimate part of the body means a part of the body that is not
an intimate part of the body.
6 Meaning of youth
(1) In this Act, a youth is:
(a) a person under 18 years of age; or
(b) in the absence of proof as to age, a person apparently under
18 years of age.
(2) If the context requires, a youth includes a person who committed an
offence as a youth but has since turned 18 years of age.
-- 20 of 161 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Division 2 Interpretation matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 9
7 Intimate procedures
For this Act, an intimate procedure includes any of the following:
(a) an internal or external examination of an intimate part of the
body;
(b) an internal examination of a non-intimate part of the body;
(c) taking from an intimate part of the body a substance, or a
sample of a substance, on or in the body;
(d) taking a sample of blood (other than by a swab or washing
from an external non-intimate part of the body);
(e) taking a sample of pubic hair;
(f) taking a sample from an intimate part of the body:
(i) by swab or washing; or
(ii) by vacuum suction, scraping or lifting by tape;
(g) taking a dental impression or an impression of a bite mark;
(h) taking a photograph, or an impression or cast, of a wound to
an intimate part of the body;
(i) taking an X-ray;
(j) taking a sample of urine.
8 Non-intimate procedures
(1) For this Act, a non-intimate procedure includes any of the following:
(a) taking a sample of saliva or a sample by buccal swab;
(b) an external examination of a non-intimate part of the body;
(c) taking a sample of hair other than pubic hair;
(d) taking a sample from an external non-intimate part of the
body:
(i) by swab or washing; or
(ii) by vacuum suction, scraping or lifting by tape;
(e) taking a photograph of, or an impression or cast of a wound
to, a non-intimate part of the body;
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(f) an identifying procedure.
(2) In subsection (1):
identifying procedure means:
(a) the taking of prints of the hands, fingers, feet or toes; or
(b) the taking of photographs of the youth that are:
(i) of an identifying nature; and
(ii) of a non-intimate part of the body.
9 Illicit drug or substance
For this Act, an illicit drug or substance is any of the following:
(a) a drug or substance, the possession of which is prohibited
under a law in force in the Territory;
(b) a drug or substance for which a prescription is required, if no
prescription is in force in relation to the youth:
(i) in whose possession the drug or substance is found; or
(ii) in whose body the drug or substance is detected;
(c) in relation to a youth who is detained at a detention centre – a
drug or substance, the possession of which is prohibited under
the rules of the detention centre;
(d) in relation to a youth who is the subject of an alternative
detention order – a drug or substance, the possession of
which is prohibited under the conditions of the order.
Division 3 Use of force generally
10 Use of force generally
(1) If this Act permits a person to use force on a youth, the person may
only use force if:
(a) all other reasonably practicable measures to resolve the
situation have been attempted and those measures have
failed to resolve the situation; and
(b) the person using the force:
(i) gives a clear warning of the intended use of force; and
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Youth Justice Act 2005 11
(ii) allows a reasonable amount of time for the youth to
observe the warning; and
(iii) uses no more force than the person considers to be
necessary and reasonable in the circumstances as
perceived by the person; and
(iv) holds a current qualification in physical intervention
techniques on youths.
Note for subsection (1)(b)(iv)
See section 147C(4) in relation to police officers and correctional officers
providing assistance under that section.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) and (b)(i) and (ii) do not apply if the force is used
in an emergency situation.
(3) For subsection (1)(b)(iii), a person considering what force is
necessary and reasonable in the circumstances may have regard to
the age, gender, physical and mental health, or background of the
youth in relation to whom the force is to be used.
Part 2 Apprehension and remand
Division 1 General matters
12 Application of Part
This Part applies despite the provisions of any other Act.
13 Definitions
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
authorised officer means:
(a) the Commissioner of Police, a Deputy Commissioner of Police
or Assistant Commissioner of Police; or
(b) a police officer authorised under section 36.
interview includes asking questions of a person.
14 Register of appropriate support persons
(1) The CEO must establish and maintain a register of persons
appropriate to be support persons.
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(2) The register must include persons who are suitable to be support
persons for Aboriginal youth.
(3) The register must not include youths, police officers or persons who
are employed at a detention centre.
Division 2 Police powers and obligations
15 Explanations by police officers
(1) If a police officer is required to inform a youth of any matter in
relation to an investigation of an offence, whether under this Act or
any other law in force in the Territory, the explanation must be
made in a language and manner the youth is likely to understand,
having regard to the youth's age, health, maturity, cultural
background and English language skills.
(1A) If the youth appears to have insufficient English language skills to
understand the explanation, the police officer must take reasonable
efforts to obtain a qualified interpreter for the explanation.
(2) Before a youth is searched in connection with the investigation of
an offence, a police officer must, unless impracticable, inform the
youth of his or her ability to access legal advice and representation.
(3) Any action taken is not unlawful, and any evidence obtained is not
inadmissible, only because of a failure to comply with this section.
16 Guidelines in relation to arrest of youths
(1) The Commissioner of Police may, by general orders issued under
the Police Administration Act 1978, issue guidelines, not
inconsistent with that Act or this Act, in relation to the arrest of
youths and the investigation of offences committed or believed to
have been committed by youths.
(2) The arrest of a youth in relation to an offence, without a warrant but
in accordance with the guidelines referred to in subsection (1), is
not unlawful only because:
(a) an authorised officer does not consent to a prosecution in
relation to the matter; or
(b) it subsequently appears, or it is found by a court or a jury, that
the youth did not commit the offence.
(3) The arrest of a youth is not unlawful only because the police officer
arresting the youth did not do so in accordance with this Act or the
guidelines if, at the time of the arrest the officer reasonably believed
that the person arrested was not a youth.
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17 Authorised officer to be notified
If the police officer who arrests a youth is not an authorised officer,
he or she must, as soon as practicable after the youth is arrested,
notify an authorised officer of the arrest.
18 Interview of youth
(1) This section applies if a police officer believes on reasonable
grounds that a youth has committed or is implicated in the
commission of an offence that, if committed by an adult, would be
punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or longer.
(1A) The officer must do the following before interviewing the youth in
respect of the offence, or causing the youth to do anything in
connection with the investigation of the offence:
(a) inform the youth of the youth's ability to access legal advice
and representation;
(b) provide the youth with access to legal advice and
representation in a place and a manner that allows the youth
privacy;
(c) inform the youth of the youth's ability to contact a friend,
relative, a responsible adult in respect of the youth or other
support person who must be present while the officer
interviews the youth or the youth does the act.
Note for subsection (1A)
Section 15 applies to explanations by police officers in relation to an investigation
of an offence.
(1B) If a youth exercises the youth's right to silence, including exercising
the right through legal representation, the officer must not interview
the youth in respect of the offence.
(2) The officer must not interview the youth in respect of the offence, or
cause the youth to do anything in connection with the investigation
of the offence, unless a person mentioned in subsection (1A)(c) is
present while the officer interviews the youth or the youth does the
act.
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(2A) Despite subsection (2), the police officer may conduct a breath test,
breath analysis or saliva test in relation to the youth in accordance
with a requirement of section 24, 29AAA, 29AAB, 29AAC, 29AAD
or 29AAF of the Traffic Act 1987 without a person mentioned in
subsection (1A)(c) being present if the officer has made reasonable
endeavours to arrange the presence of such a person.
Example for subsection (2A)
Used multiple contact methods to attempt to contact multiple friends, relatives,
responsible adults or support persons.
(3) This section does not affect the power of a police officer, under the
Police Administration Act 1978 or any other Act, to require a youth
to give the youth's name and address.
(4) The police officer must keep a record of the particulars prescribed
by the Regulations in exercising a power under this section.
(5) To avoid doubt, this section does not apply in relation to the
following:
(a) the search of a youth under section 19;
(b) a procedure carried out under Division 3.
Notes for subsection (5)
1 Section 19 provides for the presence of a support person while a search
is carried out.
2 Section 29 provides for the presence of a support person while a forensic
procedure is carried out.
19 Search of youth
(1) A police officer must not search the property, person or clothing of a
youth as part of an investigation of an offence unless there is a
support person present.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the officer reasonably believes:
(a) that a search of the property, person or clothing of the youth
needs to be carried out as a matter of urgency; and
(b) that a delay to allow a support person to be present would
create an unacceptable risk of harm to the youth or another
person or the loss or destruction of evidence.
(3) If the search is conducted without a support person being present,
the officer must do so in a manner that preserves the dignity of the
youth as best as is practicable.
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(4) The officer must not require a youth to remove any clothing that the
youth is wearing unless:
(a) the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the
removal and examination of the clothing may afford evidence
of the commission of an offence; and
(b) the youth is provided with adequate clothing to replace the
clothing removed.
20 Search must be by person of same gender
(1) The person or clothing of a youth must only be searched by a
person of the same gender as the youth and the search must be
carried out in a place and a manner that allows the youth privacy
from persons of the other gender.
(2) If a police officer of the same gender as the youth is not available
within a reasonable time, a person of the appropriate gender who is
not a police officer may carry out the search under the direction of a
police officer who must take the necessary measures to preserve
the youth's privacy and dignity.
(3) A person who carries out a search of a youth in accordance with
subsection (2) has, for the purposes of that search, the same
powers and the same protection as a police officer.
21 Authorised officer must consent to prosecution
(1) A youth must not be charged with an offence without the consent of
an authorised officer.
(2) A document that charges a youth with one or more offences must:
(a) indicate that the charges have been consented to by an
authorised officer; and
(b) identify the authorised officer.
(3) The document is evidence that:
(a) the officer named is an authorised officer; and
(b) the youth has been charged with the offence or offences with
the consent of the authorised officer.
(4) Subsection (1) does not affect a requirement under any other law to
obtain consent to a prosecution.
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22 Charge to be by summons except in certain cases
(1) A police officer must not charge a youth at a police station with an
offence unless the officer believes on reasonable grounds that:
(a) the youth will not appear in court to answer a summons in
relation to the offence; or
(b) releasing the youth from custody will be accompanied by a
substantial risk of:
(i) a continuation or repetition of the offence or another
offence by the youth; or
(ii) the loss or destruction of evidence relating to the
offence; or
(iii) harm to the youth.
(2) If subsection (1)(a) or (b) applies, the officer may, subject to
section 21, charge the youth at a police station with the offence
and:
(a) release the youth on bail; or
(b) apply under section 24 for an order that the youth be detained
in custody.
(3) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply if the offence with which the youth
is charged is an offence to which section 7A(1) of the Bail Act 1982
applies.
23 Responsible adults to be informed
(1) As soon as practicable after a youth is:
(a) arrested in relation to an offence; or
(b) charged with an offence,
the police officer who arrested or charged the youth must take all
reasonable steps to ensure that a responsible adult in respect of
the youth is notified of the arrest or charge.
(2) The notification must include the time and place when the youth will
be brought before the Court or, if summoned, when the youth must
appear in court.
(3) This section applies whether the responsible adult resides in the
Territory or not.
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24 Detention of youth not admitted to bail
(1) If a youth has been charged with an offence and is not admitted to
bail, a police officer must, as soon as practicable, apply to the Court
or a Local Court Judge for an order that the youth be detained at a
detention centre or other place approved by the Minister for the
purpose.
(2) A police officer may apply for an order under subsection (1) in
person or, if it is not practicable to apply in person, the officer may
apply by telephone to a Local Court Judge.
(3) If the Court or Local Court Judge makes the order, it must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the detention centre or other place at which the youth
is to be detained.
(4) The Court or Local Court Judge must give or send a copy of the
order to the police officer as soon as practicable.
(5) The police officer may take the youth to the detention centre or
other place under the order despite not having received the copy if
he or she is informed of the order by the Court or Local Court Judge
by telephone.
(6) The person in charge of the detention centre or place must detain
the youth at the centre or place in accordance with the order or, if
the order has been given by telephone, a version of the order
signed by the police officer.
(7) The police officer who charged the youth must take all reasonable
steps to ensure that a responsible adult in respect of the youth is
notified that the youth has been detained in custody and the place
at which the youth is detained.
25 Detained youth requiring medical attention
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a youth is to be detained in accordance with an order under
section 24; and
(b) the youth requires medical attention.
(2) Instead of being taken to the detention centre or other place
specified in the order under section 24, the youth may be taken to a
hospital as defined in section 5 of the Medical Services Act 1982 or
a private hospital as defined in section 4 of the Private Hospitals
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Act 1981 and, if the person in charge of the hospital or private
hospital consents, be detained there.
(3) If there is not a hospital available, the youth must be taken to a
community health centre.
(4) While in the hospital or health centre, the youth remains in the
custody of the Police Force.
(5) On being discharged from the hospital or health centre, the youth
must be taken to the specified detention centre or other approved
place unless he or she has in the meantime been admitted to bail.
26 Separation from adults where practicable
If a youth is taken from the place at which he or she is detained to a
court, or from a court to the place of detention, he or she must, as
far as practicable, be kept apart from other persons under detention
who are not youths.
27 Youth to be brought before Court promptly
(1) If a youth is charged with an offence and is not released from
custody, the youth must be brought before the Court:
(a) as soon as practicable and within 24 hours after the charge; or
(b) on the next business day after the charge.
(2) The youth may be brought before the Court by audiovisual link or
by telephone.
(3) Subject to subsection (6), if the youth is not brought before the
Court in accordance with subsection (1), the person in whose
custody the youth is being held must immediately release the youth.
(4) The person in whose custody the youth is being held may apply to
a Local Court Judge to extend the time mentioned in subsection (1).
(5) The application to the Judge may be made by audiovisual link or by
telephone.
(6) The Judge may grant the extension of time if the Judge is satisfied
that circumstances beyond the control of the person in whose
custody the youth is being held prevent the person from bringing
the youth before the Court in accordance with subsection (1).
Examples of circumstances for subsection (6) include the following:
(a) an emergency situation or natural disaster that causes delays in
transportation arrangements for the youth;
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Youth Justice Act 2005 19
(b) a weather event that causes delays in transportation arrangements for
the youth;
(c) riotous conduct in a remote community where the youth is located which
prevents the youth from being transported to the Court;
(d) the youth requires medical attention;
(e) the equipment required to bring the youth before the Court has failed;
(f) there is a safety or security concern in transporting the youth to the
Court.
(7) If the Judge grants the extension of time under subsection (6), the
Judge must make orders in relation to when and how the youth
must be brought before the Court.
Division 3 Forensic procedures
28 Interpretation
(1) In this Division:
senior police officer means a police officer of the rank of
Superintendent or a higher rank.
(2) In this Division, a reference to carrying out a forensic procedure
includes causing the procedure to be carried out by another person.
29 Restriction on carrying out procedure
A forensic procedure must not be carried out under this Division
unless a support person is present while the procedure is carried
out.
30 Intimate procedure
(1) An authorised officer or a police officer for the time being in charge
of a police station may arrange for a medical practitioner or dentist
to carry out an intimate procedure on a youth in the following
circumstances:
(a) the youth is in lawful custody in respect of an offence;
(b) the youth has been charged with an offence;
(c) the youth has been summoned to appear in proceedings
against him or her for an offence;
(d) an authorised officer has consented to proceedings in respect
of an offence being brought against the youth by summons.
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(2) The officer may only make the arrangement if he or she believes on
reasonable grounds that the procedure may provide evidence
relating to the offence or any other offence punishable by
imprisonment.
(3) The intimate procedure must only be carried out with the approval
of a Local Court Judge.
(4) The officer may apply to a Local Court Judge for the approval:
(a) in person; or
(b) if that is not practicable – by telephone.
(5) The Local Court Judge may approve an intimate procedure being
carried out if, after hearing the officer and the youth to whom the
application relates, the Local Court Judge is satisfied that the officer
has reasonable grounds for believing that the procedure may
provide evidence referred to in subsection (2).
(6) The approval must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the intimate procedure that may be carried out.
(7) The Local Court Judge must give or send a copy of the approval to
the officer as soon as practicable.
(8) The officer may proceed under the approval despite not having
received it if he or she is informed of the approval by the Local
Court Judge by telephone.
(9) A medical practitioner or dentist may carry out the intimate
procedure in accordance with the approval.
(10) A police officer:
(a) may assist a medical practitioner or dentist to carry out the
intimate procedure; and
(b) may use reasonable force when assisting the medical
practitioner or dentist.
Note for subsection (10)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
(11) Before the intimate procedure is carried out, a police officer must
inquire whether the youth, or the support person who is with the
youth in accordance with section 29, wishes to have a medical
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practitioner or dentist of his or her own choice present when the
procedure is carried out.
(12) If the youth or support person wishes to have a medical practitioner
or dentist of his or her own choice present, the police officer must:
(a) provide reasonable facilities to enable the youth or person to
arrange for the medical practitioner or dentist to be present;
and
(b) unless it would be impracticable to do so – arrange for the
intimate procedure to be carried out at a time when the
medical practitioner or dentist can be present.
(13) A medical practitioner or dentist is not civilly or criminally liable for
an act done or omitted to be done in good faith in carrying out an
intimate procedure under this section.
(14) This section does not prevent a medical practitioner or dentist from
examining a youth in lawful custody at the request of the youth or
treating the youth for an illness or injury.
(15) In this section:
dentist means a person registered under the Health Practitioner
Regulation National Law:
(a) to practise in the dental profession as a dentist (other than as
a student); and
(b) in the dentists division of that profession.
31 Non-intimate procedure
(1) A police officer may carry out a non-intimate procedure on a youth
in the following circumstances:
(a) the youth is suspected by a police officer, on reasonable
grounds, of having committed an indictable offence;
(b) the youth has been charged with an offence punishable by
imprisonment;
(c) the youth has been summoned to appear in proceedings
against the youth for an offence punishable by imprisonment;
(d) an authorised officer has consented to proceedings in respect
of an offence punishable by imprisonment being brought
against the youth by summons.
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(2) The non-intimate procedure may be carried out:
(a) if the approval of a Local Court Judge is obtained; or
(b) if the approval of a senior police officer is obtained.
(3) A senior police officer must not approve the procedure unless he or
she is satisfied the youth is 14 years of age or older.
(4) A police officer may apply to a Local Court Judge or a senior police
officer for the approval:
(a) in person; or
(b) if that is not practicable – by telephone.
(5) The Local Court Judge or senior police officer may approve a non-
intimate procedure being carried out after hearing the police officer
and the youth to whom the application relates.
(6) The approval must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the non-intimate procedure that may be carried out.
(7) The Local Court Judge or senior police officer must give or send a
copy of the approval to the police officer as soon as practicable.
(8) The police officer may proceed under the approval despite not
having received it if he or she is informed of the approval by the
Local Court Judge or senior police officer by telephone.
(9) If the non-intimate procedure is the taking of a sample by buccal
swab, the police officer must direct the youth to provide the sample.
(10) If the youth does not comply by providing a sample sufficient to
enable an analysis of it to be carried out, the police officer may take
the sample.
(11) The police officer may use reasonable force in carrying out the
non-intimate procedure.
Note for subsection (11)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
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32 Voluntary non-intimate procedure
(1) A senior police officer may carry out a non-intimate procedure on a
youth if the youth consents in writing, and a responsible adult in
respect of the youth consents in writing, to the procedure being
carried out.
(2) If the procedure is carried out for the purposes of investigating an
offence, any information obtained from the procedure:
(a) must not be used for investigating any other offence other
than a relevant offence; and
(b) is inadmissible as evidence in any proceedings other than
proceedings for the offence or a relevant offence.
(3) In this section:
relevant offence means an offence that, if committed by an adult,
would be punishable by a term of imprisonment of 14 years or
more.
33 Identifying procedure
(1) An authorised officer or a police officer for the time being in charge
of a police station may carry out an identifying procedure on a youth
in the following circumstances:
(a) the youth is in lawful custody in respect of an offence;
(b) the youth has been charged with an offence;
(c) the youth has been summoned to appear in proceedings
against him or her for an offence;
(d) an authorised officer has consented to proceedings in respect
of an offence being brought against the youth by summons.
(2) The officer may carry out the procedure if he or she is satisfied that
the youth is 14 years of age or older.
(3) If the officer considers the youth is younger than 14 years, the
officer must apply to a Local Court Judge for approval to carry out
the identifying procedure.
(4) The officer may apply:
(a) in person; or
(b) if that is not practicable – by telephone.
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(5) The Local Court Judge may approve an identifying procedure being
carried out after hearing the officer and the youth to whom the
application relates.
(6) The approval must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the identifying procedure that may be carried out.
(7) The Local Court Judge must give or send a copy of the approval to
the officer as soon as practicable.
(8) The officer may proceed under the approval despite not having
received it if he or she is informed of the approval by the Local
Court Judge by telephone.
(9) The officer may use reasonable force in carrying out the identifying
procedure.
Note for subsection (9)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
34 Youth to be provided with copy of report
(1) A youth on whom a forensic procedure is carried out under this
Division, or the support person with the youth, must be provided
with a copy of:
(a) if the procedure was carried out by a medical practitioner or
dentist – the report in respect of the procedure by the medical
practitioner or dentist; and
(b) any reports in relation to the testing or analysis of samples
obtained from the procedure.
(2) However, a report does not need to be given to the youth or support
person if the sample that was analysed or tested was a sample
from a person other than the youth despite that the sample was
taken from the body of the youth under the procedure.
Division 4 Support persons and authorised officers
35 Support person
(1) For this Part, a support person, in relation to a youth, is one of the
following:
(a) a responsible adult in respect of the youth;
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Youth Justice Act 2005 25
(b) a person nominated by the youth;
(c) a legal practitioner acting for the youth;
(d) a person called upon under subsection (5).
(2) A person cannot be a support person if he or she is, in the opinion
of a police officer dealing with a youth, an accomplice of the youth
in the alleged offence or likely to lose, destroy or fabricate evidence
relating to the offence.
(3) A youth cannot be a support person, but nothing prevents a youth
who is being dealt with under this Act requesting another particular
youth be present as well as a support person.
(4) Unless in the person's capacity as a responsible adult in respect of
the youth, a police officer or a person employed at a detention
centre cannot be a support person.
(5) If a police officer has made reasonable attempts to have a person
mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) present but it was not
practicable for any such person to be present within 2 hours, the
officer may call upon a person from the register maintained under
section 14 to be the support person.
(6) If a youth requests that another particular youth be present as well
as a support person, a police officer dealing with the youth must
accommodate the request, if practicable, unless:
(a) the officer considers that the other youth is an accomplice in
the alleged offence or likely to lose, destroy or fabricate
evidence relating to the offence; or
(b) it would lead to undue delay after the time in which a support
person is able to be present.
36 Authorised officers
The Commissioner of Police, a Deputy Commissioner of Police or
Assistant Commissioner of Police may authorise any of the
following police officers to act for this Part:
(a) an officer of or above the rank of Senior Sergeant;
(b) an officer who is in charge of a police station;
(c) an officer who from time to time:
(i) holds a specified rank; or
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Youth Justice Act 2005 26
(ii) performs specified duties (including duties as the officer
in charge of a specified police station).
Part 3 Diversion of youth
37 Purpose and application of Part
(1) The purpose of this Part is to provide a means of diverting youths
who are believed on reasonable grounds to have committed
offences.
(2) Except as provided by section 41, this Part does not affect the
application in respect of a youth of any law relating to:
(a) investigating and collecting evidence of criminal activities and
the commission of offences; or
(b) questioning, apprehending, detaining, arresting, charging and
bailing a suspected offender; or
(c) prosecuting a person for an offence.
38 Definitions
In this Part:
divert, in relation to a youth, means to take an action under
section 39.
prescribed offence, see section 38A.
38A Meaning of prescribed offence
For this Act, a prescribed offence is:
(a) an offence prescribed by regulation; or
(b) an offence against a law, or a repealed law, of the Territory or
another jurisdiction (including a jurisdiction outside Australia)
that substantially corresponds to an offence prescribed under
paragraph (a).
39 Diversion of youth
(1) This section applies if a police officer believes on reasonable
grounds that:
(a) a person has committed an offence; and
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Youth Justice Act 2005 27
(b) the person is a youth or was a youth when the offence was
committed.
(2) The officer must, instead of charging the youth with the offence, do
one or more of the following as the officer considers appropriate:
(a) give the youth a verbal warning;
(b) give the youth a written warning;
(c) cause a Youth Justice Conference involving the youth to be
convened;
(d) refer the youth to a diversion program.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if:
(a) the youth's whereabouts is unknown; or
(b) the alleged offence is a prescribed offence; or
(d) the youth has some other history that makes diversion an
unsuitable option (including a history of previous diversion or
previous convictions).
(4) However, the Commissioner of Police (or the Commissioner's
delegate) may authorise or require a police officer to deal with a
youth by Youth Justice Conference or by referring the youth to a
diversion program despite the fact that the case is covered by
subsection (3).
(6) This section does not prevent the diversion of a youth in relation to
an offence with which the youth has been charged.
40 Diversion in circumstances where youth denies behaviour
(1) Despite section 39(2) and (4), if a youth denies having had a role in
the behaviour constituting the alleged offence:
(a) the youth must not be diverted under section 39(2)(c) or (d)
or (4); and
(b) a police officer may, in accordance with this Act, charge the
youth with the offence that the officer believes on reasonable
grounds the youth has committed and the youth may be
prosecuted for the offence.
(2) This section does not apply in relation to a youth who has been
referred for assessment for inclusion in a diversion program or a
Youth Justice Conference under section 64(1)(b).
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41 Effect of diverting youth
(1) If a youth is diverted in relation to an offence and the diversion is
completed to the satisfaction of a police officer, no criminal
investigation or criminal legal proceedings can be commenced or
continued against the youth in respect of the offence.
(2) Any admission made or information given by a youth during the
course of diversion in relation to an offence is not admissible in any
subsequent criminal or civil proceedings in relation to the offence.
(3) However, subsection (2) does not prevent the admission of
evidence that has been properly obtained in accordance with the
Police Administration Act 1978 and this Act.
42 Extension of limitation period
(1) This section applies if a youth is diverted in relation to an offence
but fails to satisfactorily complete a Youth Justice Conference or
diversion program.
(2) Subject to section 21, proceedings may be commenced against the
youth for the offence despite that the applicable limitation period
has expired.
(3) The proceedings must be commenced before the later of:
(a) the expiry of the applicable limitation period; or
(b) 3 months after the diversion is determined to have been
unsatisfactory.
42A Reporting on diversion of youth
(1) A police officer must prepare or obtain a report containing the
following:
(a) if the officer refers the youth to a diversion program under
section 39(2)(d) or (4) and the youth declines to participate in
the program or does not complete the program – a statement
of that fact and any reasons offered by the youth for declining
or not completing the program;
(b) if the officer declines to refer the youth to a diversion program
under section 39(2)(d) – a statement of that fact and the
reasons of the officer for declining;
(c) if the officer is authorised by the Commissioner of Police (or
the Commissioner's delegate) under section 39(4) to refer the
youth to a diversion program and the officer declines to refer
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the youth to the program – a statement of that fact and the
reasons of the officer for declining;
(d) if the officer is authorised by the Commissioner of Police (or
the Commissioner's delegate) under section 39(4) to refer the
youth to a diversion program and the youth declines to
participate in the program or does not complete the program –
a statement of that fact and any reasons offered by the youth
for declining or not completing the program;
(e) if the youth is not referred to a diversion program because
section 39(3) applies – a statement of that fact.
(2) If the youth is charged with the offence, the prosecution must, as
soon as practicable, provide the report mentioned in subsection (1)
to the youth's legal representative and to the Youth Justice Court.
43 Publication of information of diversion
(1) If a person is found guilty of an offence, information concerning the
diversion of the person as a youth for that or any other offence may
be produced in the Youth Justice Court for the purpose of
determining the sentence to be imposed on the person for the
offence.
(2) Information and details of the diversion of a youth must not be
published, except as aggregated data for statistical purposes where
the information does not permit any particular youth to be identified.
(3) A person who publishes information in contravention of
subsection (2) commits an offence.
Maximum penalty: If the offender is a natural person –
200 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
If the offender is a body corporate –
1 000 penalty units.
(4) In this section, a reference to the diversion of a youth includes a
reference to dealing with the youth under a scheme for the
diversion of youths operating in a State or another Territory that is
similar to the scheme operating under this Part.
44 No review or appeal
(1) A decision:
(a) to divert or not to divert a youth; or
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(b) that a youth did or did not complete a diversion satisfactorily,
cannot be reviewed or appealed against in any court or tribunal.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect the power of the Court to refer a
youth for assessment under section 64.
Part 4 Youth Justice Court
45 Continuation and constitution
(1) The Juvenile Court established under the repealed Act is continued
in existence as the Youth Justice Court.
(2) Each Local Court Judge is a Judge of the Youth Justice Court.
(3) The Youth Justice Court is a court of record and has a seal that
must be affixed to all process issued out of the Court.
46 Exercise of jurisdiction
(1) The jurisdiction of the Youth Justice Court is exercisable by a Judge
sitting alone.
(2) The Chief Judge may appoint as a Youth Judge a Local Court
Judge who, in the opinion of the Chief Judge, has the knowledge,
qualifications, skills and experience in the law and the social or
behavioural sciences, and in dealing with youths and their families,
as the Chief Judge considers appropriate.
(3) An appointment of a Local Court Judge as a Youth Judge does not
affect:
(a) the terms and conditions of the Judge's appointment under the
Local Court Act 2015; or
(b) the ability of a Local Court Judge who is not a Youth Judge to
exercise the jurisdiction of the Youth Justice Court.
46A Changes in constitution of Court during proceedings
(1) In particular proceedings, the Court need not be constituted by the
same person or persons for the whole of the proceedings, until the
taking of evidence commences.
(2) Once the taking of evidence commences, the Court must be
constituted by the same person or persons until the proceedings
are determined.
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(3) If, in criminal proceedings, the defendant pleads guilty and the
proceedings are adjourned before the making of sentencing
submissions commences, after that adjournment:
(a) the Court need not be constituted by the same person as
when the plea was entered; but
(b) the Court must then be constituted by the same person until
the proceedings are determined.
(4) Further, if at any stage of proceedings the person who constitutes
the Court is unable to continue, the Court constituted by a different
person or persons may continue to deal with the proceedings.
(5) The question whether a person is unable to continue is decided by
the Chief Judge and the Chief Judge's decision is not liable to be
challenged on any ground.
(6) In this section, a person is unable to continue if the person:
(a) dies; or
(b) vacates office; or
(c) is, by reason of illness, injury or other cause, unable to
continue dealing with the proceedings without unreasonable
delay.
47 Registrar of Youth Justice Court
(1) A registrar of the Local Court is a Registrar of the Youth Justice
Court.
(2) If the Court is required to perform its functions at a place outside
the Territory, the Minister may appoint as a Registrar of the Court at
the place:
(a) a person who holds office as a registrar or deputy registrar of
a court of the jurisdiction in which the place is located; or
(b) another appropriately qualified person.
(3) The conditions of service (including as to remuneration) of the
appointed person are those that the person is entitled to under the
law of the other jurisdiction.
(4) A person appointed under subsection (2)(a) ceases to hold office if
the person ceases to hold office as a registrar or deputy registrar of
a court of the other jurisdiction.
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(5) With the approval of the Minister, a Registrar of the Court may
concurrently hold office as a registrar or deputy registrar of a court
of another jurisdiction.
(6) In this section:
remuneration includes salary, allowances, fees, emoluments and
benefits (whether in money or otherwise).
48 Where Youth Justice Court may be held
(1) The Youth Justice Court may sit in the locations (including a place
outside the Territory) that the Minister directs and in any building
approved by the Minister for the holding of the Court.
(2) The Minister must ensure that the places for the Court to sit:
(a) provide adequate and appropriate facilities for the proceedings
of the Court; and
(b) as far as practicable are separate from the places in which
proceedings in relation to adults are being held.
(3) Despite subsection (1), if the Court considers it is expedient to sit in
another place, the Court may sit in that other place.
49 Proceedings to be in closed court
(1) The Court must be closed to the public for proceedings under this
Act against a youth.
(2) However, in addition to the parties to the proceedings and Court
staff, the following persons may attend the proceedings:
(a) a legal practitioner, whether or not the legal practitioner is the
legal representative of the youth who is the subject of the
proceedings;
(b) a responsible adult in relation to the youth;
(c) a person nominated by the youth for support;
(d) an employee or representative of the Agency or another
Agency;
(e) a witness called to give evidence in the proceedings;
(f) a victim of the alleged offence committed by the youth;
(g) a person nominated by a victim for support;
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(h) a genuine representative of the news media;
(i) an interpreter for a person attending the proceedings.
(3) Any other person may seek the leave of the Court to attend the
proceedings.
(4) The Court may order that a person not remain in or enter a room or
place in which the Court is being held, or remain within the hearing
of the Court.
(5) In making an order under subsection (4), the Court must have
regard to any prejudicial impact on the interests of the youth of the
person's presence in the room or place in which the Court is being
held, or within the hearing of the Court.
(6) However, subsection (4) does not authorise the Court to exclude
the following from the proceedings:
(a) the youth;
(b) a legal practitioner representing the youth;
(c) the prosecutor.
(7) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is subject to an order under subsection (4); and
(b) the person remains in or enters a room or place in which the
Court is being held, or remains within the hearing of the Court.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
(8) A person other than a person mentioned in subsection (2) commits
an offence if:
(a) the person has not been granted leave of the Court to attend
proceedings under subsection (3); and
(b) the person remains in or enters a room or place in which the
Court is being held, or remains within the hearing of the Court.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
50 Restriction of publication
(1) Subject to this section, a person who publishes a report of, or
information relating to, proceedings in the Court or proceedings in
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any other court arising out of proceedings in the Court that contains
any particulars likely to lead to the identification of the following is
guilty of an offence:
(a) the particular venue of the Court in which the proceeding was
heard;
(b) the youth or other party to the proceeding;
(c) a witness in the proceeding.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) a police officer, under an arrangement for the exchange of
such information, sends to the Police Force of a State or
another Territory information relating to the conviction of a
youth for an offence; or
(b) a person publishes a report or information containing
particulars of the youth who is the subject of the proceedings
with the consent of the youth; or
(c) a person publishes a report or information:
(i) containing particulars likely to lead to the identification of
a witness in the proceeding who is a complainant as
defined in section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Evidence
and Procedure) Act 1983 and who consents to the
publication in accordance with section 6(2)(b) of that
Act; and
(ii) that does not contain particulars likely to lead to the
identification of the youth who is the subject of the
proceeding and who has not consented to the
publication; and
(iii) that does not contain particulars likely to lead to the
identification of another witness in the proceeding who is
a complainant as defined in section 3 of the Sexual
Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Act 1983 and who
has not consented to the publication in accordance with
section 6(2)(b) of that Act.
(2A) For proceedings for a sexual offence in which the youth is a
defendant, the youth may not give consent under subsection (2)(b)
to publish a report or information containing particulars of the youth
until the youth has turned 18 years of age.
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(3) A person may apply to the Court for permission to publish the report
or information.
(4) The Court may grant permission for the publication if the Court is
satisfied that:
(a) the circumstances giving rise to the application are an
emergency; and
(b) publication is reasonably necessary for the safety of:
(i) the youth or a witness in the proceedings; or
(ii) any other person in the community.
(5) Subject to subsection (6), the CEO may grant permission for the
publication of any particular of a detainee who has escaped from a
detention centre if the CEO is satisfied that publication:
(a) is reasonably necessary for the safety of the detainee or for
any other person; or
(b) will assist in apprehending the detainee or protecting the
community.
(6) In making a determination under subsection (5), the CEO must:
(a) have regard to the desirability of minimising the stigma to the
detainee and the detainee's family; and
(b) grant permission for publication only to the extent necessary
to apprehend the detainee.
(7) In this section:
particulars likely to lead to the identification, in relation to a
person, include the following particulars:
(a) the name of the person;
(b) the names of:
(i) any relative of the person; or
(ii) any other person having the care of the person; or
(iii) in addition to subparagraphs (i) and (ii), in the case of an
Aboriginal person – a member of the person's
community;
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(c) the name or address of any place of residence of the person,
or the locality in which the residence is situated;
(d) the name or address of any place of education, training or
employment attended by the person, or the locality in which
the place is situated.
sexual offence, see section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Evidence
and Procedure) Act 1983.
51 Youth in need of protection
(1) This section applies if the Court believes:
(a) a youth who is charged with an offence is or may be a child in
need of protection; or
(b) there is a risk to the wellbeing of the youth.
(1A) The Court may take into account a parent's compliance with a
family responsibility agreement in forming its belief under
subsection (1).
(2) The Court may require the CEO:
(a) to investigate the circumstances of the youth; and
(b) to take appropriate action to promote the wellbeing of the
youth.
(3) If the Court requires the CEO to investigate the circumstances of
the youth, the CEO must, as soon as practicable, give the Court a
report on:
(a) those circumstances (including, for example, whether or not
the youth is a child in need of protection); and
(b) any action that has been taken in relation to the youth
regarding those circumstances.
(4) The Court may:
(a) adjourn the matter for the preparation of the report; and
(b) remand the youth under section 65.
(5) In this section:
CEO, see section 13 of the Care and Protection of Children
Act 2007.
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child in need of protection means a child who is in need of
protection as defined in section 20 of the Care and Protection of
Children Act 2007.
parent, see section 140A.
wellbeing of a youth, means the wellbeing of a child as defined in
section 13 of the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007.
Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 1 Jurisdiction and proceedings generally
52 Jurisdiction of Youth Justice Court
(1) The following must be dealt with in accordance with this Act by the
Youth Justice Court:
(a) all charges in respect of summary offences or indictable
offences allegedly committed by a youth;
(b) all applications in the Territory relating to unlawful activity, or
alleged unlawful activity, of youths, whether or not that activity
took place, or is alleged to have taken place, in the Territory.
(2) The jurisdiction of the Youth Justice Court in relation to an offence
allegedly committed by a youth is not affected only because the
alleged offender has subsequently turned 18 years of age.
(3) Subsection (1) does not limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
to deal with a matter involving a youth where an ex officio
indictment has been presented to that Court.
53 Application of other Acts
(1) Unless this Act makes specific provision in relation to proceedings,
orders or convictions, the following applies as if the Youth Justice
Court were the Local Court:
(a) the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928, except for
Part IV, Division 2A of that Act;
(b) Part 4, Division 2, section 42 and Part 4, Divisions 4 and 5 of
the Local Court Act 2015.
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(1A) In a provision of any other Act relating to unlawful activity or alleged
unlawful activity:
(a) a reference to the Local Court includes, in relation to a youth,
a reference to the Youth Justice Court; and
(b) a reference to a Local Court Judge includes, in relation to a
youth, a reference to a Judge of the Youth Justice Court; and
(c) a reference to a registrar of the Local Court includes, in
relation to a youth, a registrar of the Youth Justice Court.
Note for subsection (1A)
Acts relating to unlawful activity or alleged unlawful activity include the Criminal
Code, Bail Act 1982 and Parole Act 1971.
(2) This Act does not affect the powers of a justice of the peace to
issue a summons or warrant in relation to a youth.
54 Court to deal with matters summarily except in certain cases
Subject to sections 54A, 55(4) and 56, all charges before the Youth
Justice Court are to be heard and determined summarily.
54A Exception if adult offender would be liable to life imprisonment
(1) Subsection (2) applies to a charge in respect of an offence
allegedly committed by a youth that would be punishable by
imprisonment for life if the offence had been committed by an adult.
(2) The Youth Justice Court must deal with the charge by way of
preliminary examination.
55 Indictable offence tried summarily if youth consents
(1) This section applies if a youth is charged in respect of an indictable
offence that is neither of the following:
(a) an offence mentioned in section 120 of the Local Court
(Criminal Procedure) Act 1928;
(b) an offence mentioned in section 54A(1).
(2) The Youth Justice Court must inform the youth and a responsible
adult in relation to the youth (if present in court) of the youth's right
to consent or not to the charge being heard and determined
summarily.
(3) If the youth consents, the Court must hear and determine the
charge summarily.
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(4) If the youth does not consent, the Court must deal with the charge
by way of preliminary examination.
(5) For subsection (2), if no responsible adult in relation to the youth is
present in court, the Court:
(a) may adjourn the proceeding to enable a responsible adult to
be present; and
(b) may continue the proceeding after the adjournment even if no
responsible adult is present.
56 Court may decline to hear and determine charge summarily
(1) If, at any stage of the proceedings (prior to a finding of guilt), the
Youth Justice Court considers it is not appropriate to hear and
determine summarily a charge in respect of an indictable offence
for which the Court has jurisdiction, the Court:
(a) may decline to hear and determine the charge summarily; and
(b) if it declines – must give its reasons for declining; and
(i) if dealing with the charge by way of preliminary
examination – must continue by way of preliminary
examination; and
(ii) otherwise – must continue the proceedings as if the
Court had been dealing with the charge by way of
preliminary examination.
(2) For subsection (1), it is immaterial whether or not the youth:
(a) has consented under section 55(3) to the charge being heard
and determined summarily; or
(b) has elected under section 56A(2) to have the charge heard
and determined summarily.
56A Youth may elect to be tried summarily
(1) Subsection (2) applies if the Youth Justice Court is dealing by way
of preliminary examination with a charge in respect of an indictable
offence that is not an offence of the type mentioned in
section 54A(1).
(2) The youth may, at any time before or during the preliminary
examination, elect to have the charge heard and determined
summarily.
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56B Youth and adult charged – joint preliminary examination
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a youth and an adult are charged with offences founded on
the same facts; and
(b) under this Act the charge against the youth is to be dealt with
by way of preliminary examination; and
(c) under the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928 the
charge against the adult is to be dealt with by way of
preliminary examination under that Act.
(2) If this section applies, the 2 preliminary examinations may be
conducted as a joint preliminary examination by a Local Court
Judge constituting, at the same time, both the Local Court and the
Youth Justice Court.
(3) When conducting a joint preliminary examination:
(a) for the charge against the youth – the presiding
Judgeconstitutes the Youth Justice Court and must deal with
the matter under this Act; and
(b) for the charge against the adult – the presiding Judge
constitutes the Local Court and must deal with the matter
under the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928.
(4) A court conducting a joint preliminary examination may, at any
stage, disjoin the examinations and deal with the defendants
separately if satisfied it would be in the interests of justice to do so.
(5) When a joint preliminary examination is conducted, the
examination:
(a) in so far as it relates to the youth, is a preliminary examination
under this Act; and
(b) in so far as it relates to the adult, is a preliminary examination
under the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928.
57 Referral to Supreme Court for sentencing
(1) Subsection (2) applies if:
(a) the Youth Justice Court is conducting a preliminary
examination in respect of a youth in accordance with
section 55(4) or 56; and
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(b) at any stage of the proceedings the youth indicates that he or
she wishes to plead guilty.
(2) If the Youth Justice Court considers it appropriate, the Court may
accept the guilty plea and do either of the following:
(a) sentence the youth;
(b) refer the youth to the Supreme Court for sentencing.
58 Pleas in summary hearing
(1) If a charge in respect of an offence is to be heard and determined
summarily in the Youth Justice Court, the youth who is charged with
an offence must enter a plea:
(a) at the commencement of the hearing; or
(b) if the proceeding began as a preliminary examination but the
youth elects under section 56A to have the charge heard and
determined summarily – on the continuation of the proceeding
as a summary hearing.
(2) If the youth pleads guilty to a charge in respect of an offence, the
Court may, at any stage of the proceedings, if it is of the opinion
that the youth may not be guilty of the offence charged, order that
the plea of guilty be withdrawn and a plea of not guilty be entered.
(3) If the Court makes an order under subsection (2), the youth is not
entitled to plead autrefois convict by reason of his or her initial plea
of guilty.
(4) A youth may change his or her plea from not guilty to guilty at any
stage of proceedings.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to a plea entered under
subsection (2).
59 Exclusion of evidence unlawfully obtained
(1) In proceedings against a youth in respect of an offence, the Court
may order that evidence in relation to the youth is not admissible if
satisfied the evidence was obtained:
(a) in contravention of this Act; or
(b) as a consequence of a contravention of or a failure to comply
with this Act.
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(2) However, the Court may admit the evidence if satisfied that
admission of the evidence would specifically and substantially
benefit the public interest without unduly prejudicing the rights of
any person.
(3) The Court must have regard to the following matters when deciding
whether or not to admit the evidence:
(a) the seriousness of the offence, the difficulty of detecting the
offender, the need to apprehend the offender urgently and the
need to preserve evidence of the facts;
(b) the nature and seriousness of the contravention or failure;
(c) the extent to which the evidence might have been lawfully
obtained;
(d) any other matters the Court considers relevant.
(4) This section is in addition to, and does not derogate from, any other
law or rule under which a court may refuse to admit evidence.
60 Points of law may be reserved for consideration of Supreme
Court
(1) The Youth Justice Court may reserve a question of law arising from
or in relation to proceedings against a youth for an offence and may
state a special case or cases for the opinion of the Supreme Court.
(2) A question may be reserved at any time during proceedings for the
matter in the Youth Justice Court or at any time within one month
after the Youth Justice Court has finally determined the matter.
(3) The Supreme Court must deal with a special case with as little
delay as practicable and may do any of the following:
(a) amend the special case;
(b) send the special case back to the Youth Justice Court for
amendment;
(c) make any order that it considers appropriate.
(4) An order under subsection (3)(c) may include an order as to costs
of the proceedings in the Supreme Court and in the Court below.
(5) The Youth Justice Court must deal with the matter having regard to
the order of the Supreme Court in relation to the special case or
question reserved.
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61 Court must explain proceedings to youth
(1) The Court must satisfy itself that a youth who is the subject of
proceedings for an offence understands the nature of the
proceedings.
(2) If the youth is not represented by a legal practitioner, the Court
must explain to him or her in a language and manner the youth is
likely to understand, having regard to the youth's age, health,
maturity, cultural background and English language skills:
(a) the nature of the allegations against him or her; and
(b) the legal implications of those allegations; and
(c) the elements of the offence that must be established by the
prosecution.
(3) An order or finding of the Court cannot be called into question only
on the ground of failure to comply with this section if the Court has
substantially complied with subsections (1) and (2).
62 Legal representation of youth
If a youth is not legally represented in proceedings for an offence
and the Court considers the youth needs legal representation, the
Court may require that legal representation be provided to the youth
and may adjourn or stay the proceedings until satisfactory
arrangements are made for the representation of the youth.
63 Responsible adults to attend court
(1) A responsible adult in respect of a youth must attend the Court and
remain in attendance during proceedings against the youth for an
offence.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the Court is satisfied that it would
be unreasonable to require that attendance.
(3) If a responsible adult fails without reasonable excuse to attend the
Court, or remain in attendance during the proceedings, the Court
may direct that a warrant or summons be issued to bring the
responsible adult before the Court at that or a further hearing.
(4) The Court may:
(a) adjourn the proceedings to allow for the responsible adult to
be present; and
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(b) continue the hearing after the adjournment despite that the
responsible adult is not present.
64 Court may refer youth to diversion
(1AA) The Youth Justice Court may, at any stage of the proceedings
against a youth in respect of an offence, take action under
subsection (1) unless:
(a) the proceedings relate to a prescribed offence; or
(b) under section 39(3)(d), diversion was previously considered
an unsuitable option for the youth.
(1) The Youth Justice Court may, in respect of the offence:
(a) adjourn the proceedings; and
(b) refer the youth to be assessed for inclusion in a diversion
program or a Youth Justice Conference conducted for the
purposes of Part 3.
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether or not:
(a) the youth has entered a plea to a charge in respect of the
offence; or
(b) there has been a finding of guilt in relation to a charge in
respect of the offence.
64A Youth Justice Court may dismiss charges
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Youth Justice Court may, at any
stage of the proceedings against a youth in respect of an offence,
dismiss the charge in respect of the offence, whether or not the
Court finds the charge proven against the youth.
(2) The Youth Justice Court must not dismiss a charge for an offence if
a youth was included in a diversion program mentioned in
section 39(2)(d) or involved in a Youth Justice Conference in
respect of the offence but did not successfully complete the
program or Conference.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 1 Jurisdiction and proceedings generally
Youth Justice Act 2005 45
64B Court may order appropriate Agency to enter into family
responsibility agreement with parent of youth
(1) The Court may, at any stage of the proceedings against a youth in
respect of an offence:
(a) order that an appropriate Agency take reasonable steps to
enter into a family responsibility agreement with a parent of
the youth; or
(b) review compliance with a family responsibility agreement in
relation to the youth.
(2) In this section:
appropriate Agency, see section 140A.
parent, see section 140A.
65 Court may remand youth
(1) The Court may, at any stage of proceedings in relation to a youth,
remand the youth and, by order:
(a) allow the youth to go at large; or
(b) release the youth on bail; or
(c) release the youth into the care and supervision of any person;
or
(d) remand the youth in custody.
(2) If the youth is remanded in custody, he or she can be detained in a
detention centre or, if the youth has turned 15 years of age, in
either a custodial correctional facility or detention centre as ordered
by the Court.
(3) Unless the youth is committed for trial in the Supreme Court, an
order remanding the youth in custody must not, except with his or
her consent, be for a period of more than 15 days.
Note for subsection (3)
Subsection (3) does not prevent the Court from making consecutive orders
remanding the youth in custody that result in the youth remaining in custody in
excess of 15 days.
(4) The Court may revoke an order made under subsection (1) and
may substitute any other order it can make under that subsection.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 2 Reports and submissions
Youth Justice Act 2005 46
Division 2 Reports and submissions
66 Enquiry and examination authorised
A person who is required to provide the Court with a report in
relation to a youth:
(a) is authorised to make any necessary enquiries; and
(b) may require the youth to be interviewed and examined by a
medical practitioner or other appropriate person.
67 Report as to mental condition of youth
(1) If the Court considers that the mental condition of a youth who is
charged with an offence may affect his or her criminal responsibility
or ability to understand proceedings, the Court may cause the youth
to be examined by an appropriately qualified person.
(2) The Court may adjourn proceedings in order for the youth to be
examined.
(3) The person who examines the youth must report (whether orally or
in writing) to the Court as to the youth's mental condition.
68 Court may seek submissions or reports
(1) If a youth has been found guilty of an offence, the Court may
(whether before or after the proceedings are complete) seek
submissions or reports in relation to the youth.
(2) A submission or report may be written or oral.
69 Court must require pre-sentence report
(1) If a youth has been found guilty of an offence and the Court is
considering imposing a sentence of detention or imprisonment, the
Court must ensure that it is informed as to the circumstances of the
youth.
(2) In order to be informed, the Court must require a pre-sentence
report to be provided to it.
(3) However, if the Court is satisfied that it has the information
necessary to determine an appropriate sentence, the Court may
dispense with the need for a report.
(4) The Court may require the report to address specific matters in
relation to the youth that the Court wishes to be informed about.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 2 Reports and submissions
Youth Justice Act 2005 47
70 Content of pre-sentence report
(1) A pre-sentence report under section 69 may set out all or any of the
following matters that are reasonably ascertainable by the author of
the report and that appear to him or her to be relevant to the
sentencing of the youth:
(a) the age of the youth;
(b) the social history and background of the youth;
(c) the medical and psychiatric history of the youth;
(d) the youth's educational background;
(e) the youth's employment history;
(f) the circumstances of the offence of which the youth has been
found guilty;
(g) the circumstances of other offences of which the youth has
been found guilty;
(h) any relevant diversion history of the youth;
(i) the extent to which the youth is complying with any sentence
currently imposed on him or her;
(j) the financial circumstances of the youth and his or her family;
(k) any special needs of the youth;
(l) any courses, programs, treatment, therapy or other assistance
that could be available to the youth and from which he or she
may benefit;
(m) family and community views of the youth's offending
behaviour;
(n) risk issues in relation to the youth and further offending.
(2) The author must include in the report any other matter relevant to
the sentencing of the youth that the court has directed to be set out
in the report.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 2 Reports and submissions
Youth Justice Act 2005 48
71 Report in certain circumstances
(1) If a youth has been found guilty of an offence and the Court is
considering imposing on a youth a sentence that includes any of
the following, the Court must require a report as to the suitability of
the youth for the proposed sentence:
(a) a sentence that includes supervision;
(b) a community work order;
(c) alternative detention;
(d) periodic detention.
(2) If the Court is considering a sentence that involves a fine or
restitution by financial compensation, the Court must satisfy itself (if
necessary by requiring a report) that the sentence is appropriate
having regard to the financial circumstances of the youth.
72 Court may adjourn for report to be prepared
If the Court has requested a report in relation to a youth, the Court
may:
(a) adjourn the proceedings to enable the report to be prepared;
and
(b) remand the youth in accordance with section 65.
73 Reports to be made available
(1) A copy of every written report in relation to a youth received by the
Court under this Division must be given to each of the following:
(a) the youth;
(b) a responsible adult in respect of the youth who is present in
court;
(c) the prosecutor.
(2) However, the Court may order that the report or part of the report
must not be given to the youth or to a specified person if the Court
is of the opinion that the report contains material that, if disclosed to
the youth or another person, may be prejudicial to the welfare of the
youth.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 3 Victim impact statements and victim reports
Youth Justice Act 2005 49
74 Challenge to contents of report
A person to whom a copy of a report is given may cross-examine
the author of the report or the person who carried out an
investigation on which the report was based, and the youth reported
on or a responsible adult in respect of the youth may give evidence
or call witnesses to rebut the contents of the report.
75 Protection in relation to report
(1) This section applies to a person acting in good faith who does any
of the following:
(a) provides information for the purpose of preparing a report
under this Division;
(b) prepares the report;
(c) gives the report to the Court.
(2) The person is not civilly or criminally liable, and is not in breach of
any professional code of conduct, for:
(a) the preparing or giving of the report; or
(b) the disclosure of any information in the report.
Division 3 Victim impact statements and victim reports
76 Definitions
In this Division:
harm includes any of the following:
(a) physical injury;
(b) psychological or emotional suffering, including grief;
(c) contraction or fear of contraction of a sexually transmissible
medical condition;
(d) pregnancy;
(e) economic loss.
victim impact statement means an oral or written statement
prepared for the purposes of this Division and containing details of
the harm suffered by a victim of an offence arising from the offence.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 3 Victim impact statements and victim reports
Youth Justice Act 2005 50
victim report means an oral or written statement prepared by the
prosecutor for the purposes of this Division and containing details of
the harm suffered by a victim of an offence arising from the offence.
77 Court must consider victim impact statement or victim report
(1) Before the Court sentences a youth for an offence, the Court must
permit the prosecutor to present a victim impact statement or victim
report in relation to each victim of the offence.
(2) The Court must consider each victim impact statement and each
victim report presented before determining the sentence to be
imposed in relation to the offence.
(3) The Court must not draw any inference in favour of a youth (or
against a victim) because a victim impact statement or victim report
is not presented to the Court.
78 Victim impact statements
(1) The prosecutor must present a victim impact statement if the victim
consents to its presentation.
(2) If the victim is incapable, because of age or physical or mental
disability, of giving consent to the presentation of a victim impact
statement, the victim impact statement may be prepared by a
person who, in the opinion of the Court, has a sufficiently close
relationship with the victim.
(3) A victim impact statement may, with the permission of the Court, be
presented by a person other than the prosecutor.
(4) A written victim impact statement must be signed and a copy must
be given to the youth.
(5) If a victim impact statement is to be presented orally, a written or
oral summary of the statement must be given to the youth.
(6) A legal practitioner representing the youth or, with the leave of the
Court, the youth, may cross-examine:
(a) the person who signed a written victim impact statement; or
(b) the person (not being the prosecutor) presenting the
statement orally,
about the contents of the statement.
-- 62 of 161 --
Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 3 Victim impact statements and victim reports
Youth Justice Act 2005 51
79 Victim reports
(1) The prosecutor must present a victim report if:
(a) a victim does not consent to the presentation of a victim
impact statement in relation to him or her; and
(b) the details of the harm suffered by the victim arising from the
offence are reasonably ascertainable; and
(c) the victim has been informed of the contents of the victim
report and does not object to its presentation.
(2) If the victim is incapable, because of age or physical or mental
disability, of giving consent to the presentation of a victim report,
the victim report may be presented if a person who, in the opinion
of the Court, has a sufficiently close relationship with the victim has
been informed of the contents of the report and does not object to
its presentation.
(3) A victim report may also be presented if:
(a) the victim cannot be located after reasonable attempts have
been made by the prosecutor; and
(b) the details of the harm suffered by the victim arising from the
offence are reasonably ascertainable.
(4) A victim report need not be presented to the Court if the details of
the harm are already before the Court as evidence or as part of a
report prepared in relation to the youth.
(5) A copy of a written victim report must be given to the youth.
(6) If a victim report is to be presented orally, a written or oral summary
of the report must be given to the youth.
80 Other matters may be addressed
(1) A victim impact statement or victim report may contain details of the
harm caused to the victim arising from another offence:
(a) for which the youth has already been sentenced, or will be
sentenced in the proceedings then before the Court; or
(b) which has already been taken into account in a sentence, or
which may be taken into account in the proceedings then
before the Court.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 4 Community court sentencing procedure
Youth Justice Act 2005 52
(2) A victim impact statement or victim report may contain a statement
as to the victim's wishes in respect of the sentence of the Court for
the offence.
Division 4 Community court sentencing procedure
80A Definitions
In this Division:
Aboriginal experience report, see section 80B.
approved member, of a Law and Justice Group, means a member
of the Law and Justice Group who is approved under
section 107C(3) of the Sentencing Act 1995.
community court sentencing procedure means the sentencing of
a youth in accordance with this Division.
Law and Justice Group, for a place, see section 107C(2) of the
Sentencing Act 1995.
80B Meaning of Aboriginal experience report
An Aboriginal experience report, as defined in section 107B of
the Sentencing Act 1995, applies to this Division as if an offender is
a youth under this Act.
80C Application for community court sentencing procedure
(1) A youth may apply to the Youth Justice Court for the Court to
sentence the youth for an offence in accordance with the
community court sentencing procedure if the youth:
(a) has pleaded guilty to an offence in the Youth Justice Court;
and
(b) has agreed with the prosecutor to facts in relation to the
offence and those facts have been given to the Court; and
(c) is Aboriginal.
(2) The application must specify a place:
(a) in the Territory for the sitting of the Court; and
(b) for which a Law and Justice Group is established.
(3) The Court may grant the application or refuse to grant the
application.
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Part 5 Court proceedings
Division 4 Community court sentencing procedure
Youth Justice Act 2005 53
(4) In deciding whether to grant the application or refuse to grant the
application, the Court must have regard to:
(a) the youth's connection to the place specified in the application;
and
(b) any other matter the Court considers relevant.
80D Community court sentencing procedure
(1) If the Youth Justice Court grants an application under
section 80C(3), the Court must:
(a) sit and hear the proceedings at the place specified in the
youth's application; and
(b) make an order under section 83 in relation to the offence at
the place.
(2) Before making the order under section 83, the Court:
(a) must consider an Aboriginal experience report in respect of
the youth and the offence; and
(b) may consider the responses given to any questions asked of
the approved members of the Law and Justice Group who
prepared the report as mentioned in subsection (5).
(3) Sections 72, 73 and 75 apply to an Aboriginal experience report as
if the report was requested, received or prepared under Division 2.
(4) The Court may adjourn the proceedings to enable the Aboriginal
experience report to be prepared.
(5) After receiving the Aboriginal experience report the Court may, in
relation to the information contained in the report:
(a) ask questions of the approved members of the Law and
Justice Group who prepared the Aboriginal experience report;
and
(b) allow another person to ask questions of the approved
members of the Law and Justice Group who prepared the
Aboriginal experience report.
(6) The response given to a question asked under subsection (5) may
be given in writing or orally.
(7) To avoid doubt, this section does not limit the matters the Court
would ordinarily consider in imposing a sentence on the youth.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 1 General principles
Youth Justice Act 2005 54
80E Information in Aboriginal experience report and responses of
Law and Justice Group
The fact that information is contained in an Aboriginal experience
report or a response given to a question asked under
section 80D(5) does not constitute proof of the information.
80F Rules of Court and practice directions
The Chief Judge may make rules of Court, or issue practice
directions, regulating the practice and procedure of the Court under
this Division.
Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 1 General principles
81 Principles and considerations to be applied to youth offenders
(1) When sentencing a youth who has been found guilty of an offence,
the Court must:
(a) have primary regard to any impact of the offence on each
victim of the offence; and
(b) also have regard to:
(i) the principles applying generally for disposing of charges
for offences, except as those principles are modified by
this Act; and
(ii) the general principles of youth justice set out in
section 4.
(2) The Court must consider any information about the youth or the
offence that may assist the Court to decide how to dispose of the
matter, and in particular must consider:
(a) the nature and seriousness of the offence; and
(b) any history of offences previously committed by the youth; and
(c) the youth's cultural background; and
(d) the age and maturity of the youth; and
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 1 General principles
Youth Justice Act 2005 55
(e) any previous order in relation to an offence that still applies to
the youth, and any further order that is liable to be imposed if
the youth has not complied with the terms of the previous
order; and
(f) the extent to which any person was affected as a victim of the
offence.
(3) The Court must dispose of the matter in a way that is in proportion
to the seriousness of the offence.
(4) The Court must have regard to the fact that the rehabilitation of a
youth may be facilitated by:
(a) the participation of the youth's family; and
(b) giving the youth opportunities to engage in educational
programs and in employment,
but the absence of such participation or opportunities must not
result in the youth being dealt with more severely for the offence.
(5) The Court must take into account whether the youth has taken
steps to make amends with any of the victims of the offence.
82 Powers of Supreme Court in sentencing
(1) If a youth is found guilty before the Supreme Court of an offence,
the Supreme Court may do any of the following:
(a) exercise, in addition to its powers, the powers of the Youth
Justice Court;
(b) order that the youth be detained in a detention centre or
imprisoned for a period not exceeding the period of
imprisonment for which such an offence would be punishable
if committed by an adult;
(c) remit the case to the Youth Justice Court.
(2) If the Supreme Court makes an order under subsection (1)(b), it
may also make any order in relation to that detention or
imprisonment that it could make in relation to a sentence of
imprisonment under the Sentencing Act 1995.
(3) If the Supreme Court finds a youth guilty of murder, the Supreme
Court may, despite section 157(2) of the Criminal Code, sentence
the youth to life imprisonment or a shorter period of detention or
imprisonment as it considers appropriate.
-- 67 of 161 --
Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 2 Sentencing options
Youth Justice Act 2005 56
Division 2 Sentencing options
83 Orders Court may make
(1) If the Court finds a charge proven against a youth it may, whether
or not it proceeds to conviction, do one or more of the following:
(a) dismiss the charge for the offence;
(b) discharge the youth without penalty;
(c) adjourn the matter for a period not exceeding 6 months and, if
during that period the youth does not commit a further offence,
discharge the youth without penalty;
(d) adjourn the matter to a specified date not more than
12 months from the date of the finding of guilt, and grant bail
to the youth in accordance with the Bail Act 1982:
(i) for the purpose of assessing the youth's capacity and
prospects for rehabilitation; or
(ii) for the purpose of allowing the youth to demonstrate that
rehabilitation has taken place; or
(iii) for any other purpose the Court considers appropriate in
the circumstances;
(e) order the youth to participate in a program approved by the
Minister, as specified in the order, and adjourn the matter for
that purpose (see Division 3);
(f) order that the youth be released on his or her giving such
security as the Court considers appropriate that he or she will:
(i) appear before the Court if called on to do so during the
period, not exceeding 2 years, specified in the order; and
(ii) be of good behaviour for the period of the order; and
(iii) observe any conditions imposed by the Court (see
Division 4);
(g) fine the youth not more than the maximum penalty that may
be imposed under the relevant law in relation to the offence
(see Division 5);
(h) make a community work order that the youth participate in an
approved project for the number of hours, not exceeding
480 hours, specified in the order (see Division 6);
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 2 Sentencing options
Youth Justice Act 2005 57
(i) order that the youth serve a term of detention or imprisonment
that is suspended wholly or partly (see Division 7);
(j) order that the youth serve a term of detention or imprisonment
that is suspended on the youth entering into an alternative
detention order (see Division 8);
(k) order that the youth serve a term of detention or imprisonment
that is to be served periodically under a periodic detention
order (see Division 9);
(l) order that the youth serve a term of detention or
imprisonment;
(m) make any other order in respect of the youth that another
court could make if the youth were an adult convicted of that
offence other than a community correction order or intensive
community correction order under the Sentencing Act 1995.
Example for subsection (1)(d)(iii)
Allowing a parent or responsible adult in respect of the youth to demonstrate
compliance with a family responsibility agreement.
(2) If the Court orders that the youth serve a term of detention or
imprisonment, the term must not exceed the lesser of:
(a) the maximum period that may be imposed under the relevant
law in relation to the offence; or
(b) for a youth who is:
(i) 15 years of age or more – 2 years; or
(ii) less than 15 years of age – 12 months.
(3) The Court must not order the imprisonment of a youth who is less
than 15 years of age.
(4) If the Supreme Court remits a case to the Youth Justice Court
under section 82(1)(c), the Youth Justice Court must deal with the
youth as if the youth had been found guilty of the offence in that
Court.
(5) This section does not limit the power of the Supreme Court to
impose on a youth a sentence it could otherwise impose on him or
her.
-- 69 of 161 --
Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 2 Sentencing options
Youth Justice Act 2005 58
84 Court may order pre-sentencing conference
(1) The Court may, when determining the appropriate sentence for a
youth who has been found guilty of an offence, adjourn the
proceedings and order the youth to participate in a pre-sentencing
conference.
(2) A pre-sentencing conference may be with any of the victims of the
offence the youth is charged with, community representatives,
members of the youth's family or any other persons as the Court
considers appropriate.
(3) The Court may:
(a) direct that the conference be convened at a specified time and
place; and
(b) appoint a person who is appropriately qualified as the
convenor of the conference.
(4) The convenor must report to the Court as to the outcome of the
conference.
85 Non-parole period
(1) If the Court sentences a youth to a term of detention or
imprisonment longer than 12 months that is not suspended in whole
or part, the Court must fix a non-parole period unless the Court
considers that the nature of the offence, the past history of the
youth or the circumstances of the particular case make the fixing of
such a period inappropriate.
(2) If the sentence is in respect of more than one offence, the
non-parole period fixed under subsection (1) is in respect of the
aggregate period of detention or imprisonment that the youth is
liable to serve under all the sentences imposed.
(3) Subject to section 87, if the Court sentences a youth to a term of
detention or imprisonment of 12 months or less, or a term that is
suspended in whole or part, the Court may not fix a non-parole
period.
86 Fixing non-parole period otherwise than at time of sentencing
(1) This section applies if the Court fails to fix a non-parole period
under section 85.
(2) The failure does not invalidate the sentence.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 2 Sentencing options
Youth Justice Act 2005 59
(3) On application by the appropriate authority, a prosecutor, the youth
or a person on behalf of the youth, the Court may fix a non-parole
period in accordance with section 85 in any manner in which the
Court might have done so at the time of sentencing.
87 Fixing new non-parole period in respect of multiple sentences
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a youth has been sentenced to be detained or imprisoned for
an offence and a non-parole period has been fixed in respect
of the sentence; and
(b) before the end of the non-parole period the youth is sentenced
by the Court to a further term of detention or imprisonment.
(1A) The Court must fix a new single non-parole period in respect of all
the sentences the youth is to serve or complete.
(2) The new single non-parole period fixed at the time of the imposition
of the further sentence:
(a) supersedes any previous non-parole period that the youth is to
serve or complete; and
(b) must not be such as to render the youth eligible to be released
on parole earlier than would have been the case if the further
sentence had not been imposed.
88 Court may disqualify youth from holding driving licence
(1) The Court may, in addition to any other order it may make if a youth
is found guilty of an offence, make an order disqualifying the youth
from holding a licence to drive a motor vehicle:
(a) as from a day or time specified in the order; and
(b) for a period specified in the order or until further order.
(2) The Court may make the order if satisfied that, having regard to all
the facts and circumstances before it, the youth is not a fit and
proper person to hold such a licence.
(3) The Court may make the order if the charge is proved, whether or
not a conviction is recorded.
(4) The order has the same force and effect as an order under the
Traffic Act 1987.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 2 Sentencing options
Youth Justice Act 2005 60
(5) The Court may, at any time on application by or on behalf of the
youth disqualified under the order, vary or revoke the order if the
Court is satisfied it is just and expedient to do so.
(6) This section is in addition to any powers of a court under the Traffic
Act 1987 or any other Act to make an order disqualifying a person
from holding a licence to drive a motor vehicle.
89 Restitution
(1) The Court may, in addition to any other order it may make in
relation to a youth who is found guilty of an offence, make an order
for:
(a) restitution by way of monetary compensation; or
(b) with the consent of the youth and the victim, performance of
service as compensation for an offence.
(2) In making the order, the Court must have regard to:
(a) the amount of loss or damage suffered as a result of the
offence; and
(b) the ability of the youth to comply with the order.
(3) An order under subsection (1) for monetary compensation must not
exceed $5 000.
(4) Monetary compensation under this section must be paid to the
Fines Recovery Unit for distribution in accordance with the order.
(5) The Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 applies in relation to
an amount payable under this section.
(6) If the Court orders performance of service as compensation:
(a) the monetary value of the compensation must be specified in
the order; and
(b) the value of the service performed is to be determined in
accordance with the Regulations; and
(c) the youth must perform the service until the monetary value of
the compensation has been satisfied.
(7) An order under this section does not preclude any other action or
proceedings for damages by a person who suffered loss or
damages as a result of an offence.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 3 Approved programs
Youth Justice Act 2005 61
89A Court may order family responsibility agreement be entered
into
(1) In addition to any other order the Court may make, the Court may
order that an appropriate Agency take reasonable steps to enter
into a family responsibility agreement with a parent of the youth
before the Court.
(2) The Court may make an order under subsection (1) whether or not
the Court finds a charge proven against the youth or finds the youth
guilty of an offence.
(3) In this section:
appropriate Agency, see section 140A.
parent, see section 140A.
Division 3 Approved programs
90 Matters relating to approved programs
(1) This section applies in relation to an order under section 83(1)(e).
(2) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, approve a program for
this section.
(3) If the Court is satisfied that the youth has satisfactorily completed
the program, the Court may make an order discharging the youth
without penalty.
(4) If the Court is satisfied that the youth has failed to satisfactorily
complete the program, the Court must:
(a) revoke the order (if it is still in force); and
(b) deal with the youth for the relevant offence or offences in any
manner in which the Court could deal with the youth if it had
just found the youth guilty of the offence or those offences.
(5) In determining how to deal with the youth under subsection (4)(b),
the Court must take into account the extent to which the youth had
complied with the order or conditions or continuing obligation.
(6) In dealing with a youth under this section, the Court must not
impose on the youth a penalty greater than the maximum penalty it
could have imposed on him or her in respect of the original offence.
-- 73 of 161 --
Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 4 Good behaviour orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 62
Division 4 Good behaviour orders
91 Making good behaviour order
(1) This section applies if the Court makes a good behaviour order.
(2) A good behaviour order in respect of a youth may impose any of
the following conditions on the youth as the Court considers
appropriate:
(a) that the youth reside with a particular person, or at a particular
place, specified in the order;
(b) that the youth obey the reasonable directions of a person
specified in the order;
(c) that the youth refrain from the activities, or from associating
with persons, specified in the order;
(d) that the youth be under the supervision of the CEO and that
the youth reports to a person nominated by the CEO, at the
place and times as determined by that person, during the
period of the order;
(e) any other condition the Court considers appropriate.
(3) If the Court makes a good behaviour order in respect of a youth, the
youth must sign the order to signify acceptance of the terms before
leaving the precincts of the Court.
(4) A copy of a good behaviour order must be:
(a) given to the youth; and
(b) given to a responsible adult in respect of the youth, if in
attendance at the Court; and
(c) sent to the CEO, if the order entails supervision.
(5) A youth who is the subject of a good behaviour order may, by order
of the Court or by notice issued by the Registrar, be called upon
during the period specified in the order to appear before the Court.
(6) An order or notice under subsection (5) must be served on the
youth not less than 4 days before the time specified in the notice for
the appearance.
(7) An application for an order under subsection (5) may be made in
the absence of the youth.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 5 Fines
Youth Justice Act 2005 63
Division 5 Fines
92 Imposition of fine
(1) This section applies if the Court imposes a fine under
section 83(1)(g).
(2) The fine may be enforced under the Fines and Penalties
(Recovery) Act 2001 unless the Court orders detention or
imprisonment in default in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) The Court may order that if the fine is not paid within 28 days the
youth must be detained at a detention centre or imprisoned until his
or her liability to pay the fine is discharged.
(4) If the Court makes an order under subsection (3) and the youth
does not pay the fine within 28 days, the Court may issue a warrant
of commitment in respect of the youth specifying the period of
detention or imprisonment to be one day for each amount (or part of
that amount) prescribed for the purposes of section 88 of the Fines
and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 that comprises the fine.
(5) If the youth serves the total period of detention or imprisonment
under a warrant under subsection (4), the fine is taken to be
satisfied.
(6) If the youth serves part of the period of detention or imprisonment
under a warrant under subsection (4), the fine is taken to be
partially satisfied by the amount calculated at the rate prescribed for
the purposes of section 88 of the Fines and Penalties (Recovery)
Act 2001 for each day actually served.
(7) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any period of detention or
imprisonment that the youth has to serve as a result of an order
under subsection (3) must be served:
(a) cumulatively on any incomplete sentence or sentences of
detention or imprisonment imposed on the youth for the
default of a payment of a fine or sum of money; and
(b) concurrently with any incomplete sentence or sentences of
detention or imprisonment imposed on the youth other than for
the default of a payment of a fine or sum of money, whether
the other sentence was or the other sentences were imposed
before or at the same time as that term.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 6 Community work orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 64
Division 6 Community work orders
93 Application and purpose of community work orders
(1) This Division applies in relation to a community work order.
(2) The purpose of a community work order is to reflect the public
interest in ensuring that a youth who commits an offence makes
amends to the community by performing work that is of benefit to
the community.
94 Making community work order
(1) The Court may make a community work order in relation to a youth
if:
(a) the youth consents to the making of the order and to the terms
of the order; and
(b) the Court is satisfied there is an approved project suitable for
the youth to participate in; and
(c) a community youth justice officer advises the Court that
arrangements have been or will be made for the youth to
participate in the approved project; and
(d) the Court is satisfied that the youth is a suitable person to
participate in the approved project.
(2) For subsection (1)(d), the Court must require a report from a
community youth justice officer as to the youth's circumstances and
any other matter the Court specifies.
(3) If the Court makes a community work order, the youth must sign the
order to signify acceptance of the terms of the order before leaving
the precincts of the Court.
(4) If the Court makes a community work order, it must ensure that a
copy of the order is:
(a) given to the youth; and
(b) given to a responsible adult in respect of the youth, if in
attendance at the Court; and
(c) sent to the CEO.
(5) A community work order may require the youth to be present:
(a) at a place and to a person; and
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 6 Community work orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 65
(b) within a time;
specified in the order or as directed by the CEO in writing.
(6) If the time and place are not specified in the order, the CEO must
cause a written direction to be given to the youth as soon as
practicable after the order is made.
(7) If the community work order:
(a) is in respect of 2 or more offences; or
(b) is in addition to one or more other community work orders in
force in respect of the youth,
the total number of hours to be worked under the order, or orders
as the case may be, must not exceed 480 hours.
95 Duties of youth in carrying out community work order
(1) A youth who is the subject of a community work order:
(a) must participate, for the number of hours specified in the
order, in an approved project as directed by a community
youth justice officer; and
(b) must participate in the project to the satisfaction of a
community youth justice officer or the project supervisor; and
(c) must, while participating in the project, comply with any
reasonable directions of a community youth justice officer or
the project supervisor; and
(d) must inform a community youth justice officer of any change in
the youth's residential address within 48 hours after the
change; and
(e) must not commit an offence while the order is in force.
(2) Unless the youth consents, he or she must not be required to
participate in an approved project under a community work order for
more than 8 hours (exclusive of time allowed for meals) in any
one day.
96 Breach of community work order
(1) A youth who is the subject of a community work order breaches the
order if the youth:
(a) fails to comply with a term or condition of the order; or
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 7 Suspended sentences
Youth Justice Act 2005 66
(b) fails to carry out the youth's obligations under section 95; or
(c) disturbs or interferes with any other person participating in or
doing anything under a community work order; or
(d) assaults, threatens, insults or uses abusive language to a
community youth justice officer or the project supervisor; or
(e) changes address to avoid the youth's obligations under this
Act.
(2) If the community work order that is breached is in addition to one or
more other community work orders in force in respect of the youth,
any time spent participating in approved projects under the orders
is taken to have been spent in the projects in the succession in
which the orders were made, and the youth is taken to be in breach
of all the orders that remain unsatisfied.
97 CEO may approve projects
(1) The CEO may approve a rehabilitation project or work, or both, as a
project to be participated in under a community work order.
(2) An approved project must have a person nominated to be the
project supervisor.
Division 7 Suspended sentences
98 Making order to suspend sentence
(1) This section applies in relation to an order under section 83(1)(i).
(2) The Court may suspend all or part of a sentence of detention or
imprisonment on the conditions it considers appropriate.
(3) If the Court suspends all or part of a sentence, it must specify a
period, not exceeding 2 years, during which the youth must not
commit any further offences.
(4) The period in subsection (3) begins:
(a) if the whole of the sentence is suspended – on the date of the
order; and
(b) if part of the sentence is suspended – on the date specified in
the order.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 8 Alternative detention orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 67
98A Procedural matters
(1) If the Court makes an order suspending the sentence imposed on a
youth, the youth must sign the order to signify acceptance of the
terms before leaving the precincts of the Court.
(2) If the Court makes an order suspending the sentence imposed on a
youth, it must ensure that a copy of the order is:
(a) given to the youth; and
(b) given to a responsible adult in respect of the youth, if in
attendance at the Court; and
(c) sent to the appropriate authority.
Division 8 Alternative detention orders
99 Application
This Division applies in relation to an alternative detention order.
100 Making alternative detention order
(1) The Court may suspend the sentence imposed on a youth if the
youth enters into an alternative detention order and the Court is
satisfied it is desirable to do so in the circumstances.
(2) The Court must specify in the order the premises or place (which
may include a restricted area) at which the youth is to reside or
remain and the period, not exceeding 12 months, that the order is
to remain in force.
(3) The Court must not make the order unless the youth consents to
the making of the order and to the terms of the order.
101 Circumstances in which alternative detention order may be
made
(1) The Court can only make an alternative detention order if it is
satisfied that:
(a) suitable arrangements are available for the youth to reside at
the premises or place specified in the report; and
(b) the premises or place specified in the report is suitable for the
purposes of the order; and
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 8 Alternative detention orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 68
(c) the making of the order is not likely to inconvenience or put at
risk other persons living in those premises or at that place or
the community generally; and
(d) the youth is a suitable person for alternative detention.
(2) In order to be satisfied as to those matters, the Court must require
from the CEO a report.
(3) The CEO must prepare and provide to the Court a report
addressing the matters referred to in subsection (1) and any other
matters specified by the Court.
(4) In preparing the report, the CEO must take into account the views
of those members of the community who, in the opinion of the CEO,
may be affected by the making of the order.
102 Conditions of order
(1) An alternative detention order may be subject to the terms and
conditions the Court considers appropriate including, but not limited
to, that the youth:
(a) not leave the premises or place specified in the order except
at the times and for the periods as prescribed or as otherwise
permitted by the CEO or a community youth justice officer;
and
(b) wear or have attached an approved monitoring device in
accordance with the directions of the CEO, and allow the
placing, or installation in, and retrieval from, the premises or
place specified in the order of a machine, equipment or device
necessary for the efficient operation of the approved
monitoring device; and
(c) obey the reasonable directions of the CEO.
(2) The Regulations may prescribe conditions with which a youth who
is subject to an alternative detention order must comply.
103 Procedural matters
(1) If the Court makes an alternative detention order, the youth must
sign the order to signify acceptance of the terms before leaving the
precincts of the Court.
(2) If the Court makes an alternative detention order, it must ensure
that a copy of the order is:
(a) given to the youth; and
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Division 9 Periodic detention orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 69
(b) given to a responsible adult in respect of the youth, if in
attendance at the Court; and
(ba) sent to the CEO; and
(c) if the youth is sentenced to a term of imprisonment – sent to
the Commissioner.
104 If more than one alternative detention order made
(1) If the Court makes an alternative detention order in respect of 2 or
more offences, the aggregate period the order is to remain in force
must not exceed 12 months.
(2) If one or more other alternative detention orders are in force in
respect of the youth, the Court must not make a further alternative
detention order that results in the aggregate periods of the orders
exceeding 12 months.
110 Breach of alternative detention order
A youth breaches an alternative detention order if the youth:
(a) fails to reside in or remain at the premises or place specified in
the order; or
(b) fails to comply with a term or condition of the order; or
(c) wilfully destroys, damages or removes, or attempts to destroy,
damage or remove, any part of an approved monitoring device
or any associated machine, equipment or device; or
(d) fails to comply with a lawful direction of a community youth
justice officer to submit to a prescribed alcohol/drug test; or
(e) disturbs or interferes with another person residing in the
premises or at the place specified in the order; or
(f) assaults, threatens, insults or uses abusive language to a
community youth justice officer; or
(g) contravenes a condition prescribed under section 102(2).
Division 9 Periodic detention orders
111 Application
This Division applies in relation to a periodic detention order.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 9 Periodic detention orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 70
112 Making periodic detention order
(1) The Court may make a periodic detention order in respect of a
youth if:
(a) the youth consents to the making of the order and to the terms
of the order; and
(b) the Court is satisfied there are appropriate facilities available;
and
(c) the Court is satisfied that the youth is a suitable person for
periodic detention.
(2) For subsection (1)(c), the Court must require a report from the
Commissioner of Correctional Services or the CEO as to the
youth's circumstances and any other matter the Court specifies.
113 Order must specify number of detention or imprisonment
periods
A periodic detention order must specify:
(a) the number of periods of detention or imprisonment the youth
must serve; and
(b) the length of each period of detention or imprisonment; and
(c) the detention centre or custodial correctional facility at which
the youth must serve the sentence; and
(d) the date and time at which the youth must first report to the
detention centre or custodial correctional facility; and
(e) the day of the week and the time at which the youth must
subsequently report during the term of the sentence.
114 Conditions of order
(1) A periodic detention order is subject to the following conditions:
(a) the youth must report to the relevant detention centre or
custodial correctional facility (as the case may be) on the day
or date and at the time specified in the order;
(b) the youth must not commit an offence while the order is in
force;
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 9 Periodic detention orders
Youth Justice Act 2005 71
(c) the youth must notify the superintendent of the detention
centre, or the officer in charge of the custodial correctional
facility (as the case may be), within 48 hours of being charged
with an offence, in the Territory or elsewhere, while the order
is in force;
(d) the youth must notify the superintendent of the detention
centre, or the officer in charge of the custodial correctional
facility (as the case may be), of any change in the youth's
address, while the order is in force, within 48 hours after the
change;
(e) while the order is in force, the youth must obey all lawful
instructions and directions of the appropriate authority or the
superintendent of the detention centre or the officer in charge
of the custodial correctional facility (as the case may be);
(f) any other conditions the Court considers appropriate.
(2) For subsection (1)(e), lawful instructions and directions includes
instructions or directions in relation to participation in any program
or activity.
115 Procedural matters
(1) If the Court makes a periodic detention order, the youth must sign
the order to signify acceptance of the terms before leaving the
precincts of the Court.
(2) If the Court makes a periodic detention order, it must ensure that a
copy of the order is:
(a) given to the youth; and
(b) given to a responsible adult in respect of the youth, if in
attendance at the Court; and
(c) sent to the appropriate authority.
116 Order remains in force until served or cancelled
A periodic detention order remains in force until:
(a) the relevant detention or imprisonment periods required to be
served under the order, or any detention or imprisonment
periods by which the order has been extended under
section 119, have been served; or
(b) the order has been cancelled or revoked.
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Youth Justice Act 2005 72
117 Warrant of commitment covers all periods
The Court must issue a warrant of commitment in respect of the
youth that is taken to apply to all detention or imprisonment periods
to be served under the periodic detention order.
118 Youth in lawful custody
The youth is taken to be in lawful custody while serving each period
of detention or imprisonment under the order.
119 Appropriate authority can vary times
(1) The appropriate authority may grant a youth leave of absence from
a period of detention or imprisonment:
(a) for health reasons; or
(b) on compassionate grounds; or
(c) for any other reason the appropriate authority considers
sufficient.
(2) Leave of absence may be granted either before or after the
detention or imprisonment period to which it relates.
(3) If the appropriate authority refuses to grant leave of absence to a
youth in relation to one or more detention or imprisonment periods,
the youth may apply to the Youth Justice Court and the Court may,
if it considers it appropriate, direct that leave of absence be granted
in respect of all or any of those detention or imprisonment periods.
(4) An application under subsection (3) must be made within 21 days
after the refusal.
(5) If the Court directs that leave of absence be granted, the
appropriate authority is taken to have granted leave of absence for
each detention or imprisonment period specified by the Court.
(6) A youth who is granted leave of absence from a period of detention
or imprisonment:
(a) is not taken to be serving that period of detention or
imprisonment for the purposes of the youth's sentence; and
(b) must continue to report under the periodic detention order until
the specified number of detention or imprisonment periods
have been served.
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Division 10 Breach of order and re-offending during adjournment
Youth Justice Act 2005 73
120 Youth unfit for detention or imprisonment
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre or the officer in charge of
a custodial correctional facility (as the case may be) may refuse to
admit a youth to the centre or facility if the superintendent or officer
believes on reasonable grounds that the youth is unfit to serve a
period of detention or imprisonment because the youth's behaviour
is unruly or is otherwise a threat to the good order or security of the
centre or facility.
(2) A youth refused admission under subsection (1) is taken to have
failed to report for detention or imprisonment.
Division 10 Breach of order and re-offending during
adjournment
121 Breach
(1) A youth breaches an order if the youth:
(a) fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a term or
condition of the order; or
(b) fails to comply with the Regulations relating to the order; or
(c) commits an offence against a law in force in the Territory or
elsewhere while he or she is subject to the order; or
(d) does an act, or omits to do an act, that comprises a breach
under another provision of this Act.
(2) The Court may, on application by the appropriate authority or
prosecutor or of its own motion, make an order under this section.
(3) Notice of the application or hearing must be given to the youth.
(4) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant for the arrest of the
youth if satisfied that:
(a) the youth is in breach of an order; and
(b) the youth may not appear in Court.
(5) If the youth does not attend the hearing, the Court may issue a
warrant for the arrest of the youth.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
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Youth Justice Act 2005 74
(6) If the Court is satisfied by evidence on oath or by affidavit, or by the
admission of a youth, that the youth has breached an order, the
Court may:
(a) if the order is still in force:
(i) confirm or vary the order; or
(ii) revoke the order and deal with the youth under
section 83 as if it had just found him or her guilty of the
relevant offence or offences; and
(b) if the order is no longer in force – deal with the youth under
section 83 as if it had just found him or her guilty of the
relevant offence or offences.
(7) In determining how to deal with the youth under subsection (6), the
Court must take into account the extent to which the youth had
complied with the order before the application was made.
(8) In dealing with a youth under this section, the Court must not
impose on the youth a penalty greater than the maximum penalty it
could have imposed on him or her in respect of the original offence.
122 Youth offends during adjournment
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the Court:
(i) finds a charge proven against a youth; and
(ii) adjourns the matter under section 83(1)(c) or (e); and
(iii) discharges the youth without penalty; and
(b) the youth is subsequently found guilty of an offence committed
during the period of the adjournment.
(2) The Court that finds the youth guilty of the offence referred to in
subsection (1)(b) must, in addition to imposing a penalty in respect
of that offence, impose on the youth any penalty that could have
been imposed in respect of the offence to which subsection (1)(a)
applies.
(3) It is immaterial that the aggregate of both penalties may exceed a
limit referred to in section 83.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 11 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 75
Division 11 Miscellaneous matters
123 Explanation of orders
(1) If the Court makes an order in relation to a youth, the Court must
explain the order to the youth in a language and manner the youth
is likely to understand, having regard to the youth's age, health,
maturity, cultural background and English language skills.
(2) The Court must explain to the youth:
(a) the purpose and effect of the order; and
(b) the consequences of non-compliance with the order and the
circumstances in which the youth would be taken to breach
the order; and
(c) that the Court has the power to review the order on the
application of the appropriate authority, the youth or a person
on behalf of the youth.
(3) An order is not invalidated by a failure to comply with
subsection (2).
124 Arrest without warrant if condition breached
If a police officer has reason to believe that a youth has breached a
condition imposed on the youth under this Part, the officer:
(a) may arrest the youth without a warrant; and
(b) must bring him or her before the Court as soon as practicable.
125 Aggregate sentences of detention or imprisonment
(1) If the Court finds a youth guilty of 2 or more offences arising out of
the same incident or course of conduct, the Court may impose one
term of detention or imprisonment in respect of both or all of those
offences.
(2) The term of detention or imprisonment must not exceed the lesser
of:
(a) the maximum term that could be imposed if a separate term
were imposed in respect of each offence; or
(b) for a youth who:
(i) has turned 15 years of age – 2 years; or
(ii) is under 15 years of age – 12 months.
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
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Youth Justice Act 2005 76
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if one of the offences is a violent
offence, or a sexual offence, within the meaning of the Sentencing
Act 1995.
126 Detention or imprisonment to be concurrent unless otherwise
ordered
(1) If a youth:
(a) is serving, or has been sentenced to serve, a term of detention
or imprisonment for an offence; and
(b) is sentenced by the Court to serve another term of detention
or imprisonment for another offence,
the later term of detention or imprisonment must be served
concurrently with the term of detention or imprisonment for the first
offence.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) this Act otherwise provides; or
(b) the Court otherwise orders when imposing the later sentence.
127 Cumulative orders of detention or imprisonment
(1) If a youth:
(a) is serving, or has been sentenced to serve, a term of detention
or imprisonment for an offence; and
(b) is sentenced to serve another term of detention or
imprisonment for another offence,
the Court may direct the term of detention or imprisonment for the
other offence is to start from the end of the term of detention or
imprisonment for the first offence or an earlier date.
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the term of detention or
imprisonment for the first offence is being served concurrently with
or cumulatively on the term of detention or imprisonment for
another offence.
128 Taking other offences into account
Section 107 of the Sentencing Act 1995 applies in relation to
proceedings under this Act as if:
(a) a reference to a court were a reference to the Youth Justice
Court; and
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
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Youth Justice Act 2005 77
(b) a reference to a person included a reference to a youth.
129 Sentence of detention or imprisonment may be backdated
Despite any other provision of this Act, if:
(a) a youth has been in custody after his or her arrest for an
offence; and
(b) the youth is convicted of that offence and sentenced to
detention or imprisonment,
the Court may order that the detention or imprisonment is taken to
have commenced on the day on which the youth was arrested or on
any other day between that day and the day on which the Court
passes sentence.
130 Order of service of sentences of detention or imprisonment
If a youth has been sentenced to several terms of detention or
imprisonment in respect of any of which a non-parole period was
fixed, the terms are taken to be served in succession as follows:
(a) any term in respect of which a non-parole period was not
fixed;
(b) the non-parole period;
(c) unless and until released on parole, the balance of any term
after the end of the non-parole period.
131 Further sentence if detainee on parole
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a youth is sentenced in the Territory to a term of detention or
imprisonment for an offence that was committed while a
parole order under the Parole Act 1971 was in force for the
youth; and
(b) the parole order:
(i) was revoked by the Chairperson under section 5B(1)(b)
of the Parole Act 1971 before the youth was sentenced;
or
(ii) was cancelled by a court under section 6 of the Parole
Act 1971 before the youth was sentenced; or
(iii) is taken, under section 5D of the Parole Act 1971, to
have been revoked because of the sentence.
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Youth Justice Act 2005 78
(2) The Court must also order the youth to be detained or imprisoned
for:
(a) if the parole order was revoked or cancelled as mentioned in
subsection (1)(b)(i) or (ii) – the term that the youth had not
served when released from detention under the parole order
minus the part of the term the youth served after the parole
order was revoked or cancelled; or
(b) otherwise – the term that the youth had not served when
released from detention under the parole order.
(3) The term of detention or imprisonment to be served in accordance
with subsection (2) starts at the end of the term of detention or
imprisonment to which the youth is sentenced for the offence
mentioned in subsection (1).
(4) In this section:
Chairperson, see section 3(1) of the Parole Act 1971.
133 Parents liable for costs of detention
(1) If, under section 83, a youth is ordered by the Court to be detained
at a detention centre, the Court may order that a parent or the
parents of the youth pay an amount towards the cost of detaining
the youth in the detention centre.
(2) The amount must not exceed:
(a) $100 per week for each week during which the youth is
detained in the detention centre; or
(b) for periodic detention – $15 per day for each day the youth is
detained in the detention centre.
(3) If the Court makes an order under subsection (1), it must specify
the amount that the parent is, or parents are, required to pay
towards the cost of detaining the youth.
(4) The Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 applies in relation to
an amount ordered to be paid under this section and any amount
payable must be paid to the Fines Recovery Unit.
(5) The Court must not make an order under this section in respect of a
parent or the parents of a youth unless:
(a) the parent is, or parents are, given an opportunity to be heard
and it has taken into account any matters put to it by the
parent or parents; and
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Youth Justice Act 2005 79
(b) it is satisfied that the parent has, or parents have, failed to
exercise reasonable supervision and control of the youth; and
(c) it is satisfied, after taking into account all the circumstances,
that it is reasonable to make the order.
134 Forfeiture of bail
(1) If the Court orders forfeiture of a bail undertaking, Part 8 of the
Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 applies and payment can
be enforced under that Act unless the Court orders detention or
imprisonment in default under subsection (2).
(2) The Court may order that if the forfeited amount is not paid within
28 days, the youth in respect of whom the order is made must be
detained at a detention centre or imprisoned until his or her liability
to pay the forfeited amount is discharged.
(3) If the Court makes an order under subsection (2) and the forfeited
amount is not paid within 28 days, the Court may issue a warrant of
commitment in respect of the youth specifying the period of
detention or imprisonment calculated on the basis of the amount
forfeited as follows:
(a) the period must be one day for each amount (or part of that
amount) prescribed for the purposes of section 88 of the Fines
and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 that comprises the amount
forfeited;
(b) the period must not be less than one day;
(c) the period must not exceed 3 months.
(4) If a youth serves the total period of detention or imprisonment under
a warrant under subsection (3), the forfeiture is taken to be
satisfied.
(5) If a youth serves part of the period of detention or imprisonment
under a warrant under subsection (3), the forfeiture is taken to be
partially satisfied by the amount calculated at the rate prescribed for
the purposes of section 88 of the Fines and Penalties (Recovery)
Act 2001 for each day actually served.
(6) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any period of detention or
imprisonment that the youth has to serve as a result of an order
under subsection (2) must be served:
(a) cumulatively on any incomplete sentence or sentences of
detention or imprisonment imposed on the youth for the
default of a payment of a fine or sum of money; and
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 11 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 80
(b) concurrently with any incomplete sentence or sentences of
detention or imprisonment imposed on the youth other than for
the default of a payment of a fine or sum of money, whether
the other sentence was or the other sentences were imposed
before or at the same time as that term.
135 Registrar may disclose name of youth
(1) Subsection (2) applies if:
(a) a charge against a youth for an offence is proven (whether or
not a conviction is recorded); and
(b) a person intends to commence proceedings for loss or
damage as a result of the offence; and
(c) the proceedings under this Act in respect of the youth were
closed to the public.
(2) The person may apply to the Registrar who must supply the person
with the name and address of the youth.
137 Procedure where youth before another court
(1) If, in any proceedings before a court other than the Youth Justice
Court, it appears to the court that the proceeding should have been
instituted in the Youth Justice Court, the court may:
(a) order a stay of the proceedings; or
(b) proceed with the hearing and determination of those
proceedings in accordance with this Act as if the court were
the Youth Justice Court.
(2) If a court stays proceedings under subsection (1)(a), it must:
(a) refer the proceedings for hearing and determination by the
Youth Justice Court; and
(b) do one of the following:
(i) allow the youth to go at large;
(ii) release the youth on bail;
(iii) release the youth into the care and supervision of any
person;
(iv) remand the youth in custody in a detention centre or
other suitable place (that is not a custodial correctional
facility).
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Part 6 Disposition by Court
Division 11 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 81
138 Procedure where adult before Youth Justice Court
(1) If, in the course of any proceedings before the Youth Justice Court,
it appears to the Court that the proceedings should have been
instituted in the Local Court, the Youth Justice Court may:
(a) order a stay of the proceedings; or
(b) proceed with the hearing and determination of those
proceedings as if it were the Local Court.
(2) If the Youth Justice Court stays proceedings under subsection (1), it
must:
(a) refer the proceedings for hearing and determination by the
Local Court; and
(b) do one of the following:
(i) allow the defendant to go at large;
(ii) release the defendant on bail;
(iii) remand the defendant in suitable custody.
139 Court has jurisdiction
A court to which proceedings are referred under section 137 or 138
has jurisdiction to hear and determine the proceedings.
140 Referred proceedings valid
If proceedings are referred to the Youth Justice Court under
section 137:
(a) the proceedings must be dealt with under this Act from the
date of referral, despite that before that date the proceedings
or any part of those proceedings did not comply with this Act
or that a requirement of this Act had not been complied with;
and
(b) the proceedings are not invalid only because, before the date
of the referral, those proceedings did not comply with this Act
or a requirement of this Act had not been complied with.
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Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and monitoring
Division 1 Community youth justice officers
Youth Justice Act 2005 82
Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and
monitoring
Division 1 Community youth justice officers
140AA Community youth justice officers
(1) The CEO may appoint a public sector employee to be a community
youth justice officer.
(2) A community youth justice officer:
(a) has the following functions:
(i) to prepare reports for the Court as required;
(ii) to supervise a youth who is the subject of supervision
under a non-custodial order;
(iii) to monitor the compliance of a youth who is the subject
of a monitoring order with the conditions of the order;
(iv) other duties as directed by a court or the CEO;
(v) any other functions conferred by this or any other Act;
and
(b) has the powers necessary to perform those functions and any
other powers conferred by this or any other Act.
(3) The CEO may exercise the powers and perform the functions of a
community youth justice officer conferred by this or any other Act.
(4) In this section:
non-custodial order means any of the following:
(a) a monitoring order;
(b) a community work order;
(c) any other order made under this Act or the Sentencing
Act 1995 that requires a youth to be supervised.
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Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and monitoring
Division 2 Monitoring
Youth Justice Act 2005 83
Division 2 Monitoring
140AB Approval of monitoring devices
The CEO may approve a monitoring device for use to monitor the
location and activities of youth who are subject to monitoring
orders.
140AC Direction by community youth justice officer
(1) A community youth justice officer may give a youth who is subject
to a monitoring order any reasonable direction that the officer
considers appropriate.
(2) The direction may be about a matter dealt with in the youth's
monitoring order, but the direction must not contradict the
conditions of the order.
(3) A failure by a youth to comply with the direction is taken to be a
breach of the conditions of the monitoring order.
140AD CEO may direct use of approved monitoring device
The CEO may direct a youth who is subject to a monitoring order to
submit to the use of an approved monitoring device (including its
attachment to the youth) to monitor the youth's compliance with the
order.
140AE Compliance with monitoring order
(1) This section applies in relation to a youth who is subject to a
monitoring order.
(2) A community youth justice officer may do one or more of the
following:
(a) enter the approved residence;
(b) search the approved residence;
(c) search the youth;
(d) place on, or attach to, the youth an approved monitoring
device;
(e) at the approved residence, do either or both of the following:
(i) install an approved monitoring device and related
equipment;
(ii) inspect or remove any installed device or equipment.
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Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and monitoring
Division 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Youth Justice Act 2005 84
(3) A community youth justice officer may exercise the power
mentioned in subsection (2)(e)(ii) after the monitoring order has
expired in order to remove a device or related equipment.
(4) In this section:
approved residence, for a youth who is subject to a monitoring
order, means the place at which the youth is required under the
order to reside.
related equipment means a thing used in connection with the
effective operation of an approved monitoring device.
Division 3 Alcohol and drug testing
140AF Prescribed alcohol/drug tests
(1) A community youth justice officer may direct a youth who is subject
to a monitoring order to submit to:
(a) a prescribed alcohol/drug test to detect the presence, or
ascertain the concentration of, alcohol in the youth's body if
the youth is prohibited under the order from consuming
alcohol; or
(b) a prescribed alcohol/drug test to detect the presence, or
ascertain the concentration of, a restricted drug in the youth's
body if the youth is prohibited under the order from using a
restricted drug.
(2) If a youth is required under this Division to submit to a prescribed
alcohol/drug test, the youth must:
(a) give to a prescribed sampler, or allow a prescribed sampler to
take, (as the case requires) a sample of breath or a bodily
substance that is sufficient for the purposes of the test; and
(b) comply with any reasonable direction of the sampler.
Note for subsection (2)
Tampering with a sample may constitute an offence against section 140AG.
(3) If a youth does not submit to a test as required under
subsection (2):
(a) the prescribed sampler may take the required sample without
the youth's consent; and
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Part 6AA Community youth justice officers and monitoring
Division 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Youth Justice Act 2005 85
(b) a police officer may assist to enable the test to be conducted,
including by doing either or both of the following:
(i) taking the youth to a place where the required sample
can be taken;
(ii) assisting a prescribed sampler to obtain the required
sample.
(4) In providing the assistance, the police officer may use the force that
is reasonably necessary.
Note for subsection (4)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
(5) A sample of breath or a bodily substance given or taken for a
prescribed alcohol/drug test is the property of the Territory.
(6) Regulations may prescribe one or more of the following:
(a) alcohol/drug tests for use under this Division;
(b) persons who are prescribed samplers for a prescribed
alcohol/drug test;
(c) matters in relation to the carrying out of a prescribed
alcohol/drug test.
(7) In this section:
alcohol/drug test means a test under which a sample of a person's
breath, blood, saliva, urine or another bodily substance is tested or
analysed to detect the presence, or ascertain the concentration of,
alcohol or a restricted drug.
140AG Tampering with test samples
A person commits an offence if the person tampers with a sample
of breath or a bodily substance given or taken for the purposes of a
prescribed alcohol/drug test.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
140AH Evidentiary matters in relation to prescribed alcohol/drug tests
(1) This section applies for the purposes of legal proceedings arising
out of the operation of this Act in which the carrying out or results of
a prescribed alcohol/drug test are relevant.
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Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the family
Division 1 Preliminary
Youth Justice Act 2005 86
(2) If a prescribed alcohol/drug test detects:
(a) the presence of alcohol in a sample of a youth's breath; or
(b) the presence of alcohol or a restricted drug in a youth's body;
the youth is taken to have consumed or used alcohol or the drug,
unless the contrary is proved.
(3) A certificate signed by a prescribed certifier stating matters relating
to a certifiable matter is evidence of the matters stated in the
certificate and the facts on which they are based.
(4) In this section:
certifiable matter, for a prescribed certifier, means a matter
relating to a prescribed alcohol/drug test that is specified in the
regulations as a matter in relation to which the certifier may issue
an evidentiary certificate.
prescribed certifier means a person prescribed by regulation as a
person who may issue an evidentiary certificate.
Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the
family
Division 1 Preliminary
140A Definitions
In this Part:
appropriate Agency means an Agency to which the Minister has
assigned the administrative responsibilities of an appropriate
Agency under this Part.
authorised officer means:
(a) the person for the time being responsible for administering an
appropriate Agency (whether described as the chief executive
officer or in some other way); or
(b) any other person authorised by an appropriate Agency to act
on behalf of the Agency under this Part.
parent, of a youth, includes a person who is, in relation to the
youth, a responsible adult.
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Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the family
Division 2 Family responsibility agreements
Youth Justice Act 2005 87
140B Guiding principles
(1) For the purposes of this Part, the best interests of the youth are to
be treated as the paramount consideration.
(2) Agencies with responsibilities related to the welfare of a youth must
work together cooperatively and effectively to help parents:
(a) safeguard and promote the wellbeing of the youth; and
(b) exercise appropriate control over the behaviour of the youth;
and
(c) comply with any relevant family responsibility agreement.
140C How Agency acts for the purposes of this Act
(1) An appropriate Agency acts for the purposes of this Act through an
authorised officer.
(2) An appropriate Agency must issue to each of the Agency's
authorised officers an identity card certifying the officer's authority
to act on behalf of the Agency under this Act.
140CA Relationship of this Part to Court powers
This Part does not affect any power the Court otherwise has under
this Act to deal with a youth.
Division 2 Family responsibility agreements
140D Power to enter into family responsibility agreement
An appropriate Agency may enter into a family responsibility
agreement with a parent, or the parents, of a youth if:
(a) the youth has demonstrated behavioural problems; and
Examples
1 Criminal behaviour.
2 Persistent truancy.
3 Anti-social behaviour.
(b) the youth's family circumstances may have caused, or
contributed to, the behavioural problems; and
(c) the Agency is of the opinion that the agreement may assist to
resolve the problems.
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Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the family
Division 2 Family responsibility agreements
Youth Justice Act 2005 88
140E Family responsibility agreement
(1) A family responsibility agreement may provide as follows:
(a) it may require a parent to undertake counselling or therapy
directed at helping the parent to overcome addictive,
destructive or damaging behaviour;
(b) it may require a parent to:
(i) undertake counselling to provide guidance in the
effective discharge of the parent's parental
responsibilities; or
(ii) join and participate in the activities of an appropriate
support group; or
(iii) undertake any other relevant course or program of
personal development (including, if appropriate, a
residential course or program);
(c) it may require a parent to exercise proper care and
supervision of the youth and, in particular, to take all
reasonable steps to ensure that:
(i) the youth attends school; and
(ii) the youth keeps away from, and avoids contact with,
persons named or described in the agreement; and
(iii) the youth keeps away from places described in the
agreement;
(d) it may contain any other provisions, relevant to the effective
care and supervision of the youth, that are agreed between
the parties.
(2) A family responsibility agreement remains in force for a term stated
in the agreement but the term cannot:
(a) exceed 12 months; or
(b) extend beyond the date on which the youth turns 18.
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Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the family
Division 3 Family circumstances
Youth Justice Act 2005 89
(3) Before entering into a family responsibility agreement, the
appropriate Agency must:
(a) ensure facilities and services reasonably required by the
parent or parents to comply with the agreement are
reasonably available to the parent or parents in the relevant
region; and
(b) consider the following:
(i) the circumstances of the youth's family and the likely
effect of the agreement on the family;
(ii) whether the youth, or a parent of the youth, suffers from
a physical or mental disability or condition that causes or
contributes to the youth's behavioural problems;
(iii) the outcome of any inquiry under Division 3; and
(c) ensure procedures are in place for the family responsibility
agreement to be regularly reviewed to assess the parent's or
parents' compliance and capacity to comply with it.
140F Family responsibility agreement not to give rise to enforceable
obligations
(1) A family responsibility agreement does not give rise to enforceable
obligations.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a failure of a parent to comply with a family
responsibility agreement is information that may raise concerns
about a child's wellbeing for the purposes of section 32 of the Care
and Protection of Children Act 2007.
Division 3 Family circumstances
140G Inquiries into family circumstances
(1) The Court may, on application, conduct an inquiry into the family
circumstances of a youth:
(a) where a parent, or the parents, of the youth have entered into
a family responsibility agreement but the youth has continued
to exhibit behavioural problems; or
(b) where a parent or the parents of the youth have been invited
to enter into a family responsibility agreement but have not
done so; or
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Part 6A Responsible care and supervision within the family
Division 3 Family circumstances
Youth Justice Act 2005 90
(c) where a parent or the parents of the youth have entered into a
family responsibility agreement but have not complied with its
terms; or
(d) where the youth has been charged with an offence or has
breached a condition of bail.
(2) The application:
(a) if based on subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) – must be made by an
appropriate Agency; and
(b) if based on subsection (1)(d) – must be made by a member of
the police force.
(3) For the purposes of the inquiry:
(a) the Court may issue a summons requiring the youth, a parent
or parents of the youth, or any other person who may be able
to assist the Court in conducting the inquiry, to appear before
the court at a specified time and place; and
(b) if a person fails to appear as required by the summons, the
Court may issue a warrant to have the person arrested and
brought before the Court.
(4) The Chief Judge may make rules of Court, or issue practice
directions, regulating the practice and procedure of the Court on an
inquiry under this Division.
140H General provisions about inquiry
(1) The purpose of an inquiry under this Part is to ascertain:
(a) whether unstable or otherwise unsatisfactory family
circumstances might have caused or contributed to the youth's
behavioural problems; and
(b) if so, whether the situation is likely to be improved by a family
responsibility agreement.
(2) The Court is not bound by the rules of evidence in conducting an
inquiry under this Part and may inform itself in any way it considers
appropriate.
-- 102 of 161 --
Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences and appeals
Youth Justice Act 2005 91
Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences and
appeals
141 Reconsideration of sentence
(1) This section applies if the Court finds a youth guilty of a charge and
an order is made in relation to the youth or a responsible adult in
respect of the youth.
(2) The Court may reconsider the order on application by:
(a) the youth or a person on behalf of the youth; or
(b) if the order is in relation to a responsible adult – the
responsible adult.
(3) An application for reconsideration may be made at any time.
(4) If an application for reconsideration relates to a sentence of
detention or imprisonment, the Court may, upon application by or
on behalf of the youth, release the youth on bail before it hears the
application for reconsideration.
(5) The Court must notify the applicant, and all other parties, of the
place, date and time for the hearing of the application.
(6) After the hearing of the application, the Court may:
(a) confirm or vary the order; or
(b) revoke the order and deal with the youth under section 83 as if
it had just found him or her guilty of the relevant offence or
offences.
(7) An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any order made by the
Youth Justice Court under this section.
(8) The making of an application under this section does not prevent a
person making another application under this section.
142 Review of sentencing orders
(1) This section applies if the Court is satisfied, on an application by the
youth, a person on behalf of the youth, the appropriate authority or
a prosecutor:
(a) that circumstances, including those of the youth, have
materially changed and as a result the youth will not be able to
continue to comply with an order or a condition or continuing
obligation; or
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Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences and appeals
Youth Justice Act 2005 92
(b) that the youth is no longer complying with, or is no longer
willing to comply with, an order or a condition or continuing
obligation.
(2) The Court may do any of the following:
(a) discharge the order;
(b) confirm or vary the order;
(c) revoke the order and deal with the youth under section 83 as if
it had just found him or her guilty of the relevant offence or
offences.
(3) In determining how to deal with the youth under subsection (2), the
Court must take into account the extent to which the youth had
complied with the order or conditions or continuing obligation before
the application was made.
(4) If the order the Court is reviewing is a community work order, the
grounds for reviewing such an order include the following:
(a) that the youth is in custody on a charge for another offence;
(b) that the youth's behaviour is such that the carrying out of the
terms of the order is impracticable;
(c) that the operation of the order offends other persons.
(5) In dealing with a youth under this section, the Court must not
impose on the youth a penalty greater than the maximum penalty it
could have imposed on him or her in respect of the original offence.
(6) An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any order made by the
Youth Justice Court under subsection (2).
(7) If an application is made by or on behalf of the youth under this
section, the Court must cause notice of the application, and of the
time and place fixed for the hearing, to be given to the appropriate
authority.
(8) If an application is made by the appropriate authority or a
prosecutor under this section, notice of the application must be
given to the youth.
(9) If the youth does not attend the hearing of the application, the Court
may issue a warrant for the arrest of the youth.
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Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences and appeals
Youth Justice Act 2005 93
143 Court may re-open proceeding to correct sentencing errors
(1) The Court may re-open proceedings if the Court has:
(a) imposed a sentence on a youth that is not in accordance with
the law; or
(b) failed to impose a sentence that the Court legally should have
imposed.
(2) If the Court re-opens proceedings:
(a) it must give the parties an opportunity to be heard; and
(b) it may impose a sentence that is in accordance with the law;
and
(c) it may amend any relevant conviction or order to the extent
necessary to take into account the sentence imposed under
paragraph (b).
(3) The Court may re-open proceedings:
(a) on its own initiative at any time; or
(b) on an application by the youth, a person on behalf of the
youth, the appropriate authority or a prosecutor made not later
than 28 days after the day the sentence was imposed.
(4) An application may be made at any time for leave to apply for a
re-opening of proceedings after the expiry of the time referred to in
subsection (3)(b).
(5) Subject to subsection (6), this section does not affect any right of
appeal.
(6) For the purposes of an appeal under any Act against a sentence
imposed under subsection (2)(b), the time within which the appeal
must be made starts from the day the sentence is imposed under
subsection (2)(b).
(7) This section applies to a sentence imposed, or required to be
imposed, whether before or after the commencement of this
section.
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Part 7 Reconsideration and review of sentences and appeals
Youth Justice Act 2005 94
144 Appeal to Supreme Court
(1) An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from a finding of guilt,
conviction, order or adjudication made by the Youth Justice Court
under:
(a) this Act; or
(b) any other Act in force in the Territory.
(2) An appeal under this section must be:
(a) made in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules 1987; and
(b) heard by a single Supreme Court Judge.
(3) The provisions of the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928
relating to appeals from the Local Court apply, with the necessary
changes, to an appeal under subsection (1).
(4) Sections 61, 63 and 123 apply in relation to an appeal under this
section as though a reference in those sections to the Court were a
reference to the Supreme Court.
145 Appeal operates as stay
An appeal under section 144 operates as a stay of execution or of
proceedings under the finding of guilt, conviction, order or
adjudication appealed against.
146 Single Judge may refer appeal to Full Court
This Part does not affect the power of a Supreme Court Judge to
refer an appeal to be heard by the Full Court of the Supreme Court.
147 Powers of Supreme Court on appeal
If the Supreme Court hears an appeal against a decision of the
Youth Justice Court, it may exercise the same powers and make
any order that could be exercised or made by the Youth Justice
Court under this Act or any other Act in force in the Territory.
-- 106 of 161 --
Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 1AA General matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 95
Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 1AA General matters
147A Functions of CEO
The CEO is responsible for the overall control and management of:
(a) detention centres; and
(b) detainees.
147B Powers of CEO
(1) The CEO has the powers necessary to perform the CEO's functions
under this Act.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the CEO may do anything the CEO
considers appropriate in order to maintain the good order and
security of detention centres and detainees.
(3) The CEO may also exercise the powers and perform the functions
of a superintendent of a detention centre conferred by this Act.
147C Assistance to deal with or prevent emergency or escape
(1) The CEO may request assistance from the Commissioner of
Correctional Services, the Commissioner of Police or both under
this section if:
(a) the CEO is satisfied that an emergency situation exists or
there is a risk of an emergency situation arising; or
(b) a detainee has escaped from lawful detention and the CEO
requires assistance to do either of the following:
(i) search for the detainee;
(ii) return the detainee to lawful detention.
(2) The Commissioner of Police may arrange for police officers to
assist the CEO if assistance is requested under subsection (1) and,
without limiting the powers of police officers under this or any other
Act or the common law, those police officers may exercise the
powers and perform the functions of a superintendent of a detention
centre under section 151(3)(c) in providing that assistance.
(3) The Commissioner of Correctional Services may arrange for
correctional officers to assist the CEO if assistance is requested
-- 107 of 161 --
Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 1 Detention centres
Youth Justice Act 2005 96
under subsection (1) and, without limiting the powers of correctional
officers under this or any other Act or the common law, those
correctional officers may exercise the powers and perform the
functions of a superintendent of a detention centre under
sections 151(3)(c) and 167(1) in providing that assistance.
(4) Despite section 10(1)(b)(iv), a police officer or correctional officer
assisting the CEO under this section is not required to hold the
qualification mentioned in that provision to use force under this Act.
(5) A correctional officer providing assistance under this section who is
a correctional services dog handler may use a correctional services
dog in providing that assistance if the handler considers it
appropriate to do so.
(6) The handler may permit the dog to use force against a person only
if:
(a) the handler could lawfully use force against the person; and
(b) the handler considers the use of force by the dog is
reasonably necessary.
(7) In this section:
correctional officer, see section 4 of the Correctional Services
Act 2014.
correctional services dog, see section 4 of the Correctional
Services Act 2014.
correctional services dog handler, see section 35(1)(b) of the
Correctional Services Act 2014.
Division 1 Detention centres
148 Approval of youth detention centres
The Minister may approve an establishment to be a youth detention
centre for this Act.
149 Admission to detention centre
(1) A youth must not be admitted to a detention centre except in
accordance with this Act.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 97
(2) In subsection (1):
admitted to, in relation to a detention centre, does not include
taken in as a visitor, member of the detention centre staff, worker,
contractor or similar.
150 Explanation of rights and responsibilities
(1) As soon as practicable after a youth is admitted to a detention
centre, he or she must be given an explanation of the rules of the
centre and his or her rights and responsibilities as a detainee.
(2) The explanation must be given in a language and manner the youth
is likely to understand, having regard to the youth's age, health,
maturity, cultural background and English language skills.
(3) Any action taken is not unlawful only because of a failure to comply
with this section.
(4) For subsection (1), an explanation of the rights and responsibilities
of a detainee must include:
(a) information about the consequences of breaching the rules of
the detention centre; and
(b) information about the procedure for making a complaint.
(5) The superintendent of the detention centre must take all reasonable
steps to ensure this section is complied with.
Division 2 Superintendent
151 Superintendent of detention centre
(1) The CEO must appoint a public sector employee to be the
superintendent for a detention centre.
(2) The superintendent of a detention centre is responsible, as far as
practicable, for the physical, psychological and emotional welfare of
detainees in the detention centre.
(3) The superintendent of a detention centre:
(a) must promote programs to assist and organise activities of
detainees to enhance their wellbeing; and
(b) must encourage the social development and improvement of
the welfare of detainees; and
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 98
(c) must maintain order and ensure the safe custody and
protection of all persons who are within the precincts of the
detention centre, whether as detainees or otherwise; and
(d) is responsible for the maintenance and efficient conduct of the
detention centre; and
(e) must supervise the health of detainees, including the provision
of medical treatment and, where necessary, authorise the
removal of a detainee to a hospital for medical treatment.
152 Powers of superintendent
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre has the powers that are
necessary or convenient for the performance of his or her functions.
(2) The superintendent has power to approve the participation of a
detainee in programs conducted in accordance with section 151 in
place of consent by a parent or responsible adult in respect of the
detainee.
(3) The powers and functions of the superintendent of a detention
centre in relation to a detainee are not altered or diminished by the
fact that the detainee may be outside the precincts of, or absent
from, the detention centre.
153 Prohibited actions
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre:
(a) must not take an action mentioned in subsection (2); and
(b) must take reasonable steps to ensure that a member of the
staff of the detention centre does not take an action mentioned
in subsection (2).
(2) Each of the following actions is prohibited in relation to a detainee:
(a) the use of force, except:
(i) under section 154 or another provision of this Act; and
(ii) in accordance with section 10;
(b) the use of a restraint, except a permitted restraint that is used
in accordance with section 155;
(c) the use of force or a restraint for the purpose of disciplining a
detainee;
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 99
(d) the use of any form of physical, verbal or emotional abuse,
including the following:
(i) the administering of corporal punishment, that is, any
action which inflicts, or is intended to inflict, physical pain
or discomfort on the detainee;
(ii) any act or omission intended to degrade or humiliate the
detainee;
(iii) excessive control over the detainee's access to basic
human needs, including toilet facilities, food and clean
drinking water;
(e) the use of any form of psychological pressure intended to
intimidate or humiliate the detainee;
(f) any kind of unlawful discriminatory treatment.
154 Use of force
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre or a person authorised by
the superintendent may use force if the superintendent or
authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that force is
necessary to:
(a) prevent a risk of a detainee:
(i) inflicting self-harm; or
(ii) harming another person; or
(iii) damaging property; or
(iv) escaping from lawful detention; or
(b) prevent a detainee from engaging in conduct that would:
(i) endanger the safety of any person who is within the
precincts of the detention centre, including the detainee;
or
(ii) threaten the good order or security of the detention
centre.
Notes for subsection (1)
1 See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
2 See section 152(3) in relation to the powers of a superintendent of a
detention centre when a detainee is outside the precincts of, or absent
from, the detention centre.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 100
3 Other provisions of this Act also provide for the use of force.
(2) If the superintendent or authorised person uses force on a
detainee, the superintendent must:
(a) ensure the detainee is given an opportunity to be examined by
a medical practitioner, nurse or midwife after the use of force;
and
(b) if the detainee requires medical attention after the use of
force – ensure the detainee is examined as soon as
practicable by a medical practitioner, nurse or midwife; and
(c) keep notes of a medical examination under this subsection.
155 Use of restraint devices
(1) The Regulations may prescribe a device that may be used to
restrain a detainee.
(2) The superintendent of a detention centre or a person authorised by
the superintendent may appropriately use a permitted restraint on a
detainee if the superintendent or authorised person believes on
reasonable grounds that restraint is necessary to:
(a) prevent a risk of the detainee:
(i) inflicting self-harm; or
(ii) harming another person; or
(iii) damaging property; or
(iv) escaping, or attempting to escape, from lawful detention;
or
(b) prevent the detainee from engaging in conduct that would:
(i) endanger the safety of any person who is within the
precincts of the detention centre, including the detainee;
or
(ii) threaten the good order or security of the detention
centre; or
(c) conduct a search of a detainee under section 161; or
(d) arrest a detainee under section 167(1); or
(e) take a detainee to a detention centre or another place under
section 167A.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 101
(2A) The superintendent of a detention centre or a person authorised by
the superintendent may also appropriately use a permitted restraint
on a detainee when escorting the detainee outside a detention
centre.
(2B) The superintendent or person authorised by the superintendent
may use the force that is reasonably necessary to appropriately use
the permitted restraint.
Note for subsection (2B)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
(3) In this section:
appropriately use means using a restraint:
(a) in the least restrictive or invasive way reasonable in the
circumstances; and
(b) for the amount of time reasonable in the circumstances; and
(c) in accordance with a determination made by the CEO under
the Regulations in relation to the use of permitted restraints.
156 Detainee's right to be heard
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre must ensure that a
detainee is given the right to be heard in relation to any actions that
are to be taken in respect of the detainee under section 154, 155,
158E or 158F..
(2) The right to be heard may be limited or postponed for reasons of
practicality or in emergency situations.
157 Delegation by superintendent
The superintendent of a detention centre may delegate in writing
any of the superintendent's powers and functions under this Act to:
(a) a member of the staff of the detention centre; or
(b) a person authorised by the CEO for section 165(b).
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2 Superintendent
Youth Justice Act 2005 102
158 Register of detainees
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre must keep a register
containing the following particulars in relation to every detainee in
the detention centre to the extent the particulars are reasonably
ascertainable by the superintendent:
(a) the name, age, place of birth and religion (if any) of the
detainee;
(b) the names and addresses of the responsible adults in respect
of the detainee who, immediately before the detention of the
detainee in the detention centre, had the custody of the
detainee;
(c) the date on which the detainee was admitted to, and the date
on which he or she was released or transferred from, the
detention centre;
(d) any other particulars prescribed by the Regulations.
(2) If a detainee is absent from the detention centre for a period without
being discharged from custody, the register must also contain the
following information in relation to him or her:
(a) the time and date the detainee departed the detention centre;
(b) the reason for the absence from the detention centre;
(c) the name and address of the person in whose care and
custody the detainee was placed for the period of the absence
and that person's relationship (if any) to the detainee;
(d) the time and date the detainee returned to the detention
centre;
(e) if different from the person in paragraph (c) – the name and
address of the person who delivered the detainee back to the
detention centre and that person's relationship (if any) to the
detainee.
(3) A register may be kept in any form and on any medium that the
CEO considers appropriate.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2A Separation of detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 103
158A Register of use of permitted restraints
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre must keep a register
containing the following particulars in relation to the use of
permitted restraints:
(a) the name of the detainee who was restrained;
(b) the particular permitted restraint that was used;
(c) the circumstances in which the permitted restraint was used;
(d) the period for which the permitted restraint was used,
including the date and time at which the restraint was applied
and the date and time at which the restraint was removed;
(e) if the restraint was used under section 155(2) – details of any
assessment made during the period for which the restraint
was in use, including:
(i) the time the assessment was made; and
(ii) the outcome of the assessment; and
(iii) the reasons for that outcome;
(f) the name of the person who used the permitted restraint;
(g) any medical attention that was required due to the use of the
permitted restraint;
(h) any other particulars prescribed by the Regulations.
(2) A register may be kept in any form and on any medium that the
CEO considers appropriate.
(3) In this section:
assessment means an assessment as to whether:
(a) the restraint can be removed; or
(b) the restraint is still necessary.
Division 2A Separation of detainees
158B Separation in accordance with this Division
A detainee may be separated from other detainees in a detention
centre only in accordance with this Division.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2A Separation of detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 104
158C Operational matters
A detainee is not considered to have been separated from other
detainees in a detention centre:
(a) when the detainee is securely accommodated:
(i) in the detainee's room overnight; or
(ii) during a reasonable and necessary lockdown period at
the detention centre; or
(iii) during an emergency situation; or
(b) when it is, in the opinion of the superintendent, reasonably
required having regard to the age or gender of the detainee; or
(c) when the detainee is attending medical treatment, an
educational or work program or a recreational activity; or
(d) when the detainee is being escorted or moved within the
detention centre; or
(e) in another circumstance prescribed by regulation.
158D Voluntary separation
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may authorise the
separation of a detainee from other detainees in the detention
centre if the detainee requests the separation.
(2) As soon as practicable after a detainee is separated under this
section, the detainee must be given an explanation of the
detainee's rights during the separation.
(3) If a detainee is separated under this section, members of staff of
the detention centre must have contact with the detainee at least
once every hour during the separation.
(4) If a detainee who is separated under this section requests to be
released from separation, the detainee must be released from
separation immediately.
(5) The superintendent may withdraw an authorisation under
subsection (1) if the superintendent considers that separation is no
longer appropriate.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2A Separation of detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 105
158E Medical separation
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may authorise the
separation of a detainee from other detainees in the detention
centre if:
(a) a medical practitioner advises the superintendent that:
(i) the detainee is suffering from an infectious disease; and
(ii) separation is reasonably necessary to mitigate the risk to
the health of other detainees; or
(b) the superintendent believes on reasonable grounds that:
(i) the detainee is suffering from an infectious disease; and
(ii) separation is reasonably necessary to mitigate the risk to
the health of other detainees.
(2) The superintendent must report the separation of a detainee under
this section to the CEO as soon as reasonably practicable after the
separation occurs.
(3) A detainee separated under subsection (1)(b) must be examined by
a medical practitioner as soon as practicable after the detainee is
separated under that provision.
(4) As soon as practicable after a detainee is separated under this
section, the detainee must be given an explanation of the
detainee's rights during the separation.
(5) If a detainee is separated under this section:
(a) members of the staff of the detention centre must have
regular, ongoing contact with the detainee for the purpose of
monitoring the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the
detainee; and
(b) if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so, the detainee
must be permitted to have contact with the following:
(i) one or more family members;
(ii) a medical practitioner;
(iii) a counsellor or psychologist;
(iv) a case worker;
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2A Separation of detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 106
(v) a legal practitioner;
(vi) an adult nominated by the detainee; and
(c) the detainee must be given access to the following:
(i) basic human necessities including toilets, food, clean
drinking water, showers and sunlight;
(ii) if it is safe to do so, education, education materials and
appropriate recreation materials, including reading
materials; and
(d) if the period of separation exceeds 3 hours and it is safe to do
so – the detainee must be given access to outdoor exercise or
recreation for at least 15 minutes of every 3 hours between
8 am and 6 pm.
(6) A detainee must be released from separation under this section in
the following circumstances:
(a) on the direction of a medical practitioner;
(b) if the superintendent no longer believes separation is
reasonably necessary.
Note for section 158E
Under section 174, the superintendent of a detention centre is required to comply
with the direction of a medical practitioner in relation to the health of a detainee.
158F Behavioural separation
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may authorise the
separation of a detainee from other detainees in the detention
centre if:
(a) the superintendent believes on reasonable grounds that
separation is reasonably necessary for the detainee's
protection or the protection of another person or property; and
(b) either:
(i) all reasonable behavioural or therapeutic measures to
resolve the situation have been attempted and those
measures have failed to resolve the situation; or
(ii) an emergency situation exists; and
(c) no other course of action is reasonably practicable.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 2A Separation of detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 107
(2) The superintendent must report the separation of a detainee under
this section to the CEO and the Children's Commissioner as soon
as reasonably practicable after the separation occurs.
(3) The superintendent must not authorise the separation of a detainee
under this section for a period exceeding 12 hours without the
CEO's approval and, if the period exceeds 12 hours, the CEO's
approval must be given in respect of each successive 12 hour
period.
(4) A detainee must not be separated under this section for more than
72 consecutive hours.
(5) As soon as practicable after a detainee is separated under this
section, the detainee must be given an explanation of the
detainee's rights during the separation.
(6) A detainee must be examined by a medical practitioner within a
reasonable time either before or after separation under this section
unless it is not safe to do so.
(7) If a detainee is separated under this section:
(a) members of the staff of the detention centre must have
regular, ongoing contact with the detainee for the purpose of
monitoring the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the
detainee; and
(b) if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so, the detainee
must be permitted to have contact with the following:
(i) one or more family members;
(ii) a medical practitioner;
(iii) a counsellor or psychologist;
(iv) a case worker;
(v) a legal practitioner;
(vi) an adult nominated by the detainee; and
(c) the detainee must be given access to the following:
(i) basic human necessities including toilets, food, clean
drinking water, showers and sunlight;
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 3 Detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 108
(ii) if it is safe to do so, education, education materials and
appropriate recreation materials, including reading
materials; and
(d) if the period of separation exceeds 3 hours and it is safe to do
so – the detainee must be given access to outdoor exercise or
recreation for at least 15 minutes of every 3 hours between
8 am and 6 pm.
(8) A detainee must be released from separation under this section if
the superintendent no longer believes separation is reasonably
necessary.
158G Monitoring requirements
The Regulations may prescribe additional requirements for the
monitoring of detainees separated under this Division.
Division 3 Detainees
159 Sample by buccal swab
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may direct a youth who is
detained for an indictable offence to provide a sample by buccal
swab for analysis by the Commissioner of Police.
(2) If the youth does not comply by providing a sample sufficient to
enable an analysis of it to be carried out, a person authorised under
subsection (3) may take the sample or cause it to be taken.
(3) The CEO may authorise a person for this section.
(4) A person authorised under subsection (3):
(a) may use the force that is reasonably necessary to ensure that
a sufficient sample is obtained; and
(b) is not civilly or criminally liable in relation to the use of force or
the taking of the sample.
Note for subsection (4)(a)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
(5) As soon as practicable after the sample is obtained, the
superintendent must deliver the sample to the Commissioner of
Police.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 3 Detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 109
160 Detainee may be tested for alcohol or illicit drug
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may, for the purposes of
the management, good order or security of the detention centre,
direct that tests be conducted to determine whether there is any
alcohol or illicit drug or substance present in the body of a particular
detainee or any of the detainees.
(2) The superintendent may only direct that a particular detainee be
tested under subsection (1), if the superintendent has a reasonable
belief that the detainee has or may have alcohol or an illicit drug or
substance present in his or her body.
(3) However, if the test is conducted as part of a random or routine
procedure, subsection (2) does not apply.
(4) The CEO may authorise a person to take samples of a detainee's
blood, breath or urine for the purpose of determining whether there
is present in the detainee's body any alcohol or illicit drug or
substance.
(5) For subsection (4), only a medical practitioner, nurse or midwife can
be authorised to take a sample of a detainee's blood.
(6) A detainee who is to be tested must provide a sufficient sample of
his or her blood, breath or urine to a person authorised under
subsection (4) to allow the determination of whether there is
present in the detainee's body any alcohol or illicit drug or
substance.
(7) A person authorised under subsection (4) and a member of the staff
of the detention centre who is assisting the person:
(a) may use the force that is reasonably necessary to ensure that
a sufficient quantity of the detainee's blood, breath or urine is
obtained; and
(b) is not civilly or criminally liable in relation to the use of force or
the taking of the sample.
Note for subsection (7)(a)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
161 Search of detainees
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may direct a detainee to
submit to a search only as permitted by this section.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 3 Detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 110
(2) The superintendent of a detention centre may direct a detainee to
submit to a screening search or a pat down search in the following
circumstances:
(a) when the detainee is admitted to the detention centre;
(b) on the detainee temporarily leaving, or returning to, the
detention centre;
(c) on the detainee being transferred from the detention centre to
a custodial correctional facility or another detention centre;
(d) if the superintendent believes on reasonable grounds that:
(i) the search is necessary to ensure the safety of any
person who is within the precincts of the detention
centre, including the detainee; or
(ii) the search is necessary to ensure the good order or
security of the detention centre; or
(iii) the detainee possesses a prohibited thing.
Example for subsection (2)(b)
When a detainee is returned to a detention centre after an unlawful absence.
(3) The superintendent of a detention centre may direct a detainee to
submit to a personal search if:
(a) the superintendent believes on reasonable grounds that the
search is necessary to prevent a risk of harm to the detainee
or another person; and
(b) the detainee has already submitted to a pat down search
under subsection (2).
(4) A person conducting a search of a detainee under this section may
use the force that is reasonably necessary to conduct the search.
Note for subsection (4)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
(4A) The superintendent of a detention centre may confiscate a thing
found during a search that the superintendent believes on
reasonable grounds is:
(a) a prohibited thing; or
(b) connected with an offence against this Act.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 3 Detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 111
(5) A search of a detainee must be conducted in accordance with the
Regulations.
(6) In this section:
pat down search means a search conducted by feeling clothing
from the outside for objects concealed in or beneath the clothing.
personal search means a search of a person that may include:
(a) requiring the person to remove the person's clothes; and
(b) an examination of the person's body (but not of the person's
body cavities) and of those clothes.
prohibited thing means a thing to which one or more of the
following applies:
(a) it is offensive, indecent, obscene, threatening or abusive;
(b) it is a mobile communications device;
(c) it might reasonably constitute a threat to national security;
(d) it might reasonably constitute a threat to the safety, good
order or security of a detention centre or a detainee;
(e) possession of it is unlawful under a law of the Territory, the
Commonwealth or a State;
(f) it is reasonable to infer from possession of it, an intention to
facilitate, incite or use the thing in connection with an unlawful
activity;
(g) it may have a detrimental influence or effect on a detainee;
(h) if it is written – it is in a language other than English or in code,
and is not readily translatable to English;
(i) it is prescribed as a prohibited thing by the Regulations.
screening search means a search by equipment that is designed
to carry out the search without touching the person.
162 At risk detainees
The superintendent of a detention centre must ensure that a
detainee who is considered to be at risk of self-harm is dealt with in
the manner prescribed in the Regulations.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 4 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 112
163 Complaint
(1) A youth who is detained in a detention centre, or a responsible
adult in respect of the youth, may complain about a matter that
affects the youth.
(2) The complaint procedure is as set out in the Regulations.
(3) This section does not affect or limit the rights of a youth under any
other complaint procedure, including a complaint to:
(a) an official visitor; or
(b) the Ombudsman.
Division 4 Miscellaneous matters
164 Detainee who becomes an adult
(1) A detainee who turns 18 years of age while serving a sentence of
detention, or on remand in custody, in a detention centre must,
within 28 days after turning that age, be transferred to a custodial
correctional facility to serve the remainder of the sentence or period
of remand.
(2) If a detainee is transferred to a custodial correctional facility under
subsection (1), the order of the Court sentencing the youth to a
period of detention in a detention centre is taken to be an order
sentencing him or her to a term of imprisonment for the period
remaining to be served under the order.
(3) The fact that the detainee has turned 18 years of age does not
otherwise affect an order made under section 83 in respect of him
or her.
(4) The CEO may direct that subsection (1) does not apply in relation
to a particular youth:
(a) whose sentence has 6 months or less remaining to be served;
or
(b) if the youth is remanded in custody – for a period not
exceeding 6 months or for the remainder of the period of
remand (whichever is the lesser).
(5) When deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (4), the
CEO:
(a) must have regard to the interests of other detainees as well as
the interests of the particular youth; and
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 4 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 113
(b) may have regard to any other matters the CEO considers
appropriate.
(6) A direction under subsection (4) is not subject to appeal or review in
any court or tribunal.
165 Superintendent may permit absence from centre
The superintendent of a detention centre may, subject to the order
of the Court under which the detainee is detained, permit a
detainee to be absent from a detention centre:
(a) for a period not exceeding 12 hours for the purposes of
receiving educational training or participating in arrangements
of a social, recreational or vocational nature; or
(b) for any period for a purpose approved by the superintendent if
in the custody and under the supervision of:
(i) a member of the staff of the detention centre; or
(ii) a police officer; or
(iii) the sheriff as defined in section 4 of the Sheriff Act 1962;
or
(iv) a person authorised by the CEO.
166 Early release by superintendent
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre may release a detainee
from the detention centre earlier than the detainee is entitled to be
released in the following circumstances:
(a) there are genuine compassionate grounds for the early
release;
(b) the early release will facilitate the return of the detainee to his
or her place of residence or intended residence.
(2) The detainee must not be released more than 48 hours earlier than
he or she would be entitled to be released but for this section.
167 Arrest of unlawfully absent detainee
(1) If the superintendent of a detention centre or a member of the staff
of the centre believes on reasonable grounds that a detainee has
escaped or is otherwise unlawfully absent from a detention centre,
the superintendent or member of staff may arrest the person
without a warrant.
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Part 8 Youth detention centres
Division 4 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 114
(2) For the purpose of exercising the power under subsection (1), the
superintendent or member of staff may exercise the powers, and
has the immunities, of a police officer under the Police
Administration Act 1978.
167A Return to custody
The superintendent of a detention centre or a member of the staff of
the centre who arrests a detainee under section 167(1) must, as
soon as practicable, take the detainee (or arrange for the detainee
to be taken) to:
(a) the detention centre; or
(b) another appropriate place.
Examples for section 167A(b)
1 A police station (if it is not practicable to immediately return the detainee to
the detention centre).
2 A health care facility (if the detainee is sick or injured).
167B Use of detention centre to accommodate sheriff's detainees
The CEO may, in accordance with an arrangement with the sheriff
under section 12A of the Sheriff Act 1962, agree to accommodate a
youth who is in the custody of the sheriff at a detention centre.
168 Inspection of detention centre
(1) The Minister or a person authorised by the Minister may enter and
inspect a detention centre at any reasonable time.
(2) The Minister may, in writing, authorise a person for subsection (1).
(3) On request by the Minister or an authorised person, the
superintendent of a detention centre must:
(a) produce for inspection the register kept under section 158;
and
(b) give the Minister or authorised person any information in
relation to any detainee in the detention centre.
(4) A person must not:
(a) hinder the Minister or an authorised person in the exercise of
a power under subsection (1); or
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Part 9 Official visitors
Youth Justice Act 2005 115
(b) fail to comply with a requirement under subsection (3).
Maximum penalty: If the offender is a natural person –
400 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
If the offender is a body corporate –
2 000 penalty units.
168A Transfer of detainee to another detention centre
The superintendent of a detention centre may determine, as the
superintendent considers appropriate, that a detainee held in a
detention centre is to be transferred to another detention centre.
Part 9 Official visitors
169 Appointment of official visitors
(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be an official visitor for a
detention centre.
(2) Not less than 3 official visitors must be appointed for each detention
centre.
(3) An official visitor holds office for 3 years and is eligible for
re-appointment.
(4) An official visitor may resign his or her office by notice in writing to
the Minister.
(5) An official visitor receives remuneration, allowances and expenses
as determined by the Minister.
170 Functions of official visitors
(1) An official visitor must inquire into the treatment and behaviour of,
and the conditions for, detainees in the detention centre for which
the official visitor is appointed.
(2) An official visitor must, as soon as practicable after each visit to a
detention centre, report in writing to the Minister.
(3) If the Minister has directed that the official visitor report in relation to
a specified matter to the CEO, the official visitor must also report in
relation to that matter to the CEO.
(4) The official visitor must have regard to this Act and the Regulations
when he or she prepares a report for this section.
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Part 10 Medical treatment for detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 116
171 Frequency of visits
A detention centre must be visited by an official visitor appointed for
that detention centre at least once every month.
172 Official visitors not to interfere
An official visitor must not, during or after a visit to a detention
centre, interfere with or give instructions to a member of the staff of
the detention centre regarding the management, discipline or
treatment of detainees.
Part 10 Medical treatment for detainees
173 Access to medical practitioner
The superintendent of a detention centre must ensure that a
detainee is given access to a medical practitioner, for the purpose
of medical consultation and treatment, on request.
174 Direction of medical practitioner
The superintendent of a detention centre must comply with the
direction of a medical practitioner in relation to the health of a
detainee at the centre.
175 Taking of medical sample
(1) A detainee must submit to the taking of a sample of his or her blood
or bodily secretion or excretion by a medical practitioner, nurse or
midwife for the purpose of determining the medical condition of the
detainee.
(2) A sample under subsection (1):
(a) must be taken as soon as practicable after the detainee is
admitted to the detention centre; and
(b) may be taken at any other time the CEO, after consultation
with a medical practitioner, directs.
(3) A person taking a sample under subsection (1) and a member of
the staff of the detention centre who is assisting the person:
(a) may use the force that is reasonably necessary to ensure that
a sufficient sample of the detainee's blood or bodily secretion
or excretion is obtained; and
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Part 10 Medical treatment for detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 117
(b) is not civilly or criminally liable in relation to the use of that
force or the taking of the sample.
Note for subsection (3)(a)
See section 10 in relation to the use of force.
176 Detainee may be required to be examined or treated
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a detainee refuses to undergo a medical examination or to
submit to medical treatment; and
(b) a medical practitioner considers that the life or health of the
detainee, or any other detainee or person, is likely to be
endangered or seriously affected as a result of the refusal.
(2) The CEO may, after consulting with the medical practitioner, order
the detainee to undergo a medical examination or treatment that
the CEO considers necessary.
(3) The detainee must be given, where practicable, the right to a
second medical opinion.
(4) An order by the CEO under subsection (2):
(a) must be in writing; and
(b) is sufficient authority for the examination or treatment without
the consent of any person being required.
177 CEO can give consent
(1) Subsection (2) applies if:
(a) the consent of a parent or guardian is required for a detainee
to receive counselling or a medical examination or treatment;
and
(b) after reasonable efforts the appropriate person cannot be
located; and
(c) it would, in the opinion of the CEO on medical advice, be
detrimental to the health of the detainee to delay.
(2) The CEO can give the CEO's consent in place of the parent or
guardian.
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Part 10 Medical treatment for detainees
Youth Justice Act 2005 118
178 Removal to hospital
The superintendent of a detention centre must move a detainee
from the detention centre to a hospital, in the event of illness of the
detainee, on the order of:
(a) the CEO; or
(b) a medical practitioner; or
(c) the Court.
179 Custody of detainee in hospital
(1) This section applies if a detainee is moved to a hospital under
section 151(3)(e) or 178.
(2) The superintendent of the detention centre from which the detainee
was moved must make the necessary arrangements with the
person in charge of the hospital to ensure the security and good
order of the detainee while the detainee is in hospital.
(3) While in the hospital, the detainee remains in lawful detention for
this Act.
(4) If the detainee is discharged from the hospital and his or her
sentence of detention has not expired, the detainee must be
returned to the detention centre to serve the remainder of the
sentence.
180 Notification of illness or death
(1) The superintendent of a detention centre must immediately notify
the CEO if a detainee at the centre is seriously ill or dies.
(2) If the CEO is notified of a detainee's illness or death, the CEO must,
without delay, inform the detainee's next of kin, a close relative or
legal representative of the detainee, or any other person the
detainee requested to be notified.
(3) The CEO must immediately notify the coroner of the death of a
detainee.
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Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths under supervision
Youth Justice Act 2005 119
Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths
under supervision
181 Definitions
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
corresponding detention centre, means an establishment in a
State in which interstate detainees serve a period of detention.
corresponding Minister means the minister of a State responsible
for youths in that State who have had imposed on them a sentence
of detention.
detainee includes a youth who has been transferred to a detention
centre under section 64 of the Correctional Services Act 2014, but
does not include an interstate detainee or a youth on remand to
stand trial for an offence.
interstate detainee means a youth in a State who is 10 years of
age or older and who has had a sentence of detention imposed on
him or her.
State means a State or another Territory.
superintendent in relation to a corresponding detention centre,
means the person in charge of the corresponding detention centre.
transfer order means an order made under section 184(1) to
transfer a detainee to a State.
182 Application of Part
This Part applies in relation to:
(a) a detainee, or a youth subject to supervision in the Territory,
who wishes to transfer to a State; and
(b) an interstate detainee, or a youth subject to supervision within
a State, who wishes to transfer to the Territory.
183 Ministers may agree
The Minister and the corresponding Minister of a State may agree
that:
(a) an interstate detainee may transfer from a detention centre in
the State in which he or she was sentenced to a detention
centre in the Territory; or
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Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths under supervision
Youth Justice Act 2005 120
(b) a detainee may transfer from a detention centre in the
Territory to a detention centre in the State.
184 Transfer from Territory
(1) The Minister may make an order to transfer a detainee if satisfied:
(a) it is appropriate in the circumstances for a detainee to serve
his or her detention in a State; and
(b) the corresponding Minister of the relevant State will accept the
detainee.
(2) The circumstances to which the Minister may have regard for
subsection (1) include:
(a) the place or intended place of residence of responsible adults
in respect of, or relatives of, the detainee; and
(b) the present and future education and employment of the
detainee; and
(c) the medical and other needs of the detainee.
(3) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (1) in
relation to a detainee, the Minister may request any of the following
to give specified information within the period specified in the
request:
(a) the detainee;
(b) the parents of the detainee or responsible adults in respect of
the detainee.
(4) The Minister must not make a transfer order in relation to a
detainee unless the Minister is satisfied:
(a) the detainee has received independent legal advice and
consents to the transfer; and
(b) there is no appeal pending under Part 7 in relation to the
detainee and that the period for lodging an appeal has
expired.
(5) The Minister may make a transfer order in relation to a detainee
without the detainee's consent if:
(a) a responsible adult in respect of a detainee requests the
Minister to transfer the detainee; and
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Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths under supervision
Youth Justice Act 2005 121
(b) the Minister is satisfied it is in the best interests of the
detainee.
(6) A decision to make, or refuse to make, a transfer order is not
subject to appeal or review by a court or tribunal.
185 Transfer from State to Territory
(1) If a corresponding Minister makes a written request to the Minister
to accept the transfer of an interstate detainee to the Territory, the
Minister may agree if satisfied there are adequate facilities in the
Territory for the transferee to be accepted.
(2) The Minister must specify the detention centre to which the
transferee is to be delivered.
186 Reports
(1) The Minister may inform himself or herself as he or she considers
appropriate for the purpose of deciding whether or not to order the
transfer of a detainee to a State or accept the transfer of an
interstate detainee to the Territory.
(2) In particular, the Minister may have regard to reports from the
superintendent of a detention centre or a corresponding detention
centre.
(3) The Minister may provide reports from the superintendent of a
detention centre to the corresponding Minister of a State in relation
to the transfer of a detainee to that State.
187 Escort for transfer
(1) An escort is any one or more of the following:
(a) a police officer;
(b) a person authorised in writing by the Minister for the purpose.
(2) A transfer order authorises the escort to hold, take and keep
custody of the detainee until he or she is delivered to the specified
detention centre in the State.
(3) A transfer order is authority for the superintendent of a detention
centre to deliver the detainee into the custody of an escort.
(4) An escort who brings an interstate transferee from a State to the
Territory is authorised to hold, take and keep custody of the
detainee within the Territory for the purpose of delivering him or her
to the detention centre specified in the transfer order.
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Part 11 Interstate transfer of detainees and youths under supervision
Youth Justice Act 2005 122
188 Information to be sent to corresponding Minister
If a detainee is transferred to a State, the Minister must send to the
corresponding Minister of that State:
(a) a copy of the transfer order; and
(b) a copy of the order under which the detainee was detained in
the Territory; and
(c) a report in relation to the transferee, including details of the
period of detention served, entitlements to a review of the
period of detention to be served and a copy of any record
relating to the conduct of the transferee while a detainee in the
Territory.
189 Sentence transferred
(1) If a detainee transfers from the Territory to a State, the order under
which he or she was detained ceases to have effect in the Territory
except in relation to the period of detention served in the Territory.
(2) If an interstate detainee transfers from a State to the Territory, the
order under which he or she is detained is taken to have been
made by a Territory court.
190 Order revoked if transferee escapes
(1) The Minister may revoke a transfer order if the detainee to whom
the order relates escapes or attempts to escape from custody, or
commits any other further offence, whether in the Territory or
elsewhere, while the detainee is in the process of being transferred.
(2) A decision under subsection (1) is not subject to review or appeal in
any court or tribunal.
191 Territory transferee subject to supervision
(1) A youth who is found guilty in the Territory of an offence and whose
sentence includes a period of supervision may apply to the Minister
to transfer his or her period of supervision to a State.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that the corresponding Minister of the
State will undertake the supervision of the youth on similar terms
and conditions to those imposed in the Territory, the Minister may
approve the transfer.
(3) The Minister must ensure that the appropriate supervising authority
is notified of the transfer.
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Part 12 Offences
Youth Justice Act 2005 123
(4) When the Minister receives notification from the corresponding
Minister that the youth is under supervision in the State, the
Territory order of supervision relating to the youth ceases to have
effect in the Territory.
192 Youth subject to supervision in State
(1) A corresponding Minister of a State may apply to the Minister for
agreement to the transfer from the State to the Territory of a youth
who is subject to a period of supervision for an offence.
(2) If the Minister agrees to the transfer of the youth, the Minister must
advise the corresponding Minister and the appropriate supervising
authority in the Territory.
(3) When the youth reports to the Territory supervising authority, the
order of supervision from the State is taken to have been imposed
by a Territory court and any failure to comply with a term or
condition of the order will be dealt with as a breach of a Territory
order.
Part 12 Offences
193 Escaping from lawful detention
(1) A detainee must not escape or attempt to escape from lawful
detention under this Act.
(2) For subsection (1), escape from lawful detention includes the
following:
(a) escaping from a detention centre;
(b) escaping or absconding while being transferred from one
detention centre to another detention centre;
(c) escaping or absconding while away from a detention centre
for the purpose of appearing in court;
(d) escaping or absconding while absent from a detention centre
to attend a hospital under section 151(3)(e) or 178;
(e) escaping or absconding while absent from a detention centre
under section 165;
(f) escaping while being transferred to a State in accordance with
a transfer order under Part 11.
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Part 12 Offences
Youth Justice Act 2005 124
(3) If a detainee escapes from lawful detention under this Act, the term
of detention to be served by the detainee does not run during the
period the detainee remains at large.
(4) A person found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) is liable
to detention or imprisonment for 6 months in addition to the period
of detention originally ordered by the Court.
194 Escape of interstate detainee
(1) An interstate detainee who is being transferred from a State to a
detention centre in the Territory must not escape or attempt to
escape from custody while in the Territory.
(2) A person found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) is liable
to detention or imprisonment for 6 months in addition to the period
of detention to be served in the Territory.
(3) A person found guilty in another jurisdiction of escaping from
custody in contravention of subsection (1) must not be prosecuted
in the Territory for the same offence.
195 Aiding or abetting escapee
A person must not:
(a) remove a detainee from a detention centre except in
accordance with this Act or another law in force in the
Territory; or
(b) knowingly harbour or aid a detainee who has escaped from
lawful detention; or
(c) aid a detainee to escape from lawful detention.
Maximum penalty: 800 penalty units or imprisonment for
4 years.
196 Loitering
A person must not:
(a) loiter in the vicinity of a detention centre; or
(b) remain in the vicinity of a detention centre after being
requested to leave by the superintendent or a member of the
staff of the detention centre or by a police officer; or
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Part 12 Offences
Youth Justice Act 2005 125
(c) unlawfully enter or attempt to enter a detention centre.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
197 Contraband
A person must not, without the permission of the superintendent of
a detention centre:
(a) convey or deliver, or allow to be conveyed or delivered, to a
detainee any alcohol, drugs, money, letter, document, clothing
or other article; or
(b) convey or deliver or receive any alcohol, drugs, money, letter,
document, clothing or other article out of a detention centre; or
(c) leave any alcohol, drugs, money, letter, document, clothing or
other article with the intention of it being received or found by
a detainee.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
198 Communication
A person must not, without the permission of the superintendent of
a detention centre, communicate or attempt to communicate with a
detainee in that detention centre.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
199 Offence to remove youth
A person who, without lawful excuse, removes a youth from the
care of a person with whom, or from an establishment (other than a
detention centre) at which, the youth has been placed under this
Act is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 800 penalty units or imprisonment for
4 years.
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Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 126
200 Obstructing or hindering detention centre staff and other
officers
(1) A person must not hinder, obstruct, assault or threaten with
violence any of the following in the exercise of their powers or
performance of their functions or duties under this Act:
(a) a superintendent or member of the staff of a detention centre;
(b) a police officer;
(c) a community youth justice officer.
Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) A person must not aid or abet another person in the commission of
an offence against subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
201 Personation
(1) A person must not falsely represent that the person is a
superintendent of a detention centre, authorised person or
community youth justice officer.
Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
authorised person means a person authorised in writing by the
Minister or CEO to perform a function under this Act.
Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
214 Confidentiality
(1) A person who performs or has performed functions or duties under
this Act must not:
(a) record any information obtained by the person in exercising a
power or performing a function under this Act; or
(b) disclose such information to a person or body; or
(c) publish all or part of a document obtained by the person in
exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.
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Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 127
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to:
(a) a police officer in the performance of his or her duties; or
(b) any recording, disclosure or production that is part of the
exercise of a power or the performance of a function under
this Act; or
(c) any recording, disclosure or production in relation to the
administration of this Act; or
(ca) any disclosure required or authorised by law; or
(cb) a disclosure to the Australian Institute of Criminology
established under the Criminology Research Act 1971 (Cth) of
information that is reasonably required for the purpose of the
program monitoring national deaths in custody; or
(d) any disclosure that is made to:
(i) the person to whom the information or document is
related; or
(ii) another person with the consent of the person to whom
the information or document is related (whether the
consent has been given expressly or by implication); or
(iii) a person approved by the Minister, where the Minister
has certified in writing that the disclosure is carried out in
the public interest; or
(iv) a person approved by the Minister for research to be
conducted by the person, where the person has
undertaken to preserve the identity of individual persons
to whom the information and records relate and the
confidentiality of the information; or
(v) a police officer; or
(vi) a person prescribed by the Regulations.
(3) A person who fails to comply with subsection (1) is guilty of an
offence.
Maximum penalty: If the offender is a natural person –
200 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
If the offender is a body corporate –
1 000 penalty units.
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Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 128
(4) This section applies to a person who receives the information,
record or document (whether directly or indirectly) as if the person
obtained the information, record or document in the performance of
functions or duties under this Act.
215 Immunity
(1) This section applies to a person who is, or has been, any of the
following:
(a) the CEO;
(b) the Commissioner of Correctional Services;
(c) a superintendent of a detention centre;
(d) a community youth justice officer;
(e) a public sector employee performing functions under this Act.
(2) The person is not civilly or criminally liable for an act done or
omitted to be done by the person in good faith in the exercise or
purported exercise of a power, or the performance or purported
performance of a function, under this Act.
(3) Subsection (2) does not affect any liability the Territory would, apart
from that subsection, have for the act or omission.
215A Prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against this Act may be started only by:
(a) the CEO; or
(b) a person authorised by the Minister.
(2) The proceedings must be started within 6 months after the date on
which the CEO first became aware of the commission of the
offence.
215B Civil proceedings
(1) Civil proceedings in relation to an act done or omitted to be done by
a person under this Act must be started within 3 years after the act
was done or omitted to be done (the limitation period).
(1A) However, if a person with a cause of action under subsection (1) is
subject to a disability during any part of the limitation period:
(a) the running of the limitation period is suspended for the
duration of the disability; and
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Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 129
(b) the limitation period expires 3 years after the earlier of:
(i) the date on which the person ceased to be under a
disability; or
(ii) the death of the person.
(1B) For subsection (1A), a person is subject to a disability if:
(a) the person is under the age of 18 years; or
(b) the person is serving a term of detention or imprisonment after
being convicted of an offence.
(1C) Subsection (1A) applies to person who is subject to a disability,
whether or not the person is subject to the same or another
disability at any time during the limitation period.
(1D) Subsection (1A) does not operate to extend a limitation period to
more than 30 years from the date when the cause of action arose.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not prevent a court exercising its
jurisdiction under section 44 of the Limitation Act 1981.
216 Delegation by Minister or CEO
The Minister or CEO may delegate in writing to a person any of the
Minister's or CEO's powers and functions under this Act.
216A Annual report
The CEO must, in the report prepared under section 28 of the
Public Sector Employment and Management Act 1993, include
information about the register of persons under section 14.
217 Regulations
(1) The Administrator may make regulations, not inconsistent with this
Act, prescribing matters:
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or
giving effect to this Act.
(2) The Regulations may provide for any of the following matters:
(a) the construction (including provision for the storage and
preparation of food), cleanliness, sanitation, lighting, heating,
ventilation and safety of detention centres;
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Part 14 Miscellaneous matters
Youth Justice Act 2005 130
(b) the maintenance of detention centres in a proper state of
repair;
(c) the number of youths who may be received in a detention
centre, having regard to the available facilities (including
medical facilities and other amenities), space and staff of the
centre;
(d) the operation and management of detention centres;
(e) the suitability of persons operating detention centres and of
the staff of such centres, and fixing the numbers of such staff;
(f) the maintenance of order within a detention centre, including
the conduct of searches and the manner of dealing with the
misconduct of detainees and any grievances or complaints of
detainees;
(g) the health, welfare, safe custody and protection of detainees;
(h) community work orders, including:
(i) prescribing the duties of persons who are subject to
community work orders; and
(ii) regulating the conduct of persons who are subject to
community work orders; and
(iii) providing for the health and safety of persons who are
subject to community work orders; and
(iv) providing for travel and transport arrangements to be
made for persons who are subject to community work
orders; and
(v) prescribing what effect an injury to, or the illness of, a
person who is subject to a community work order has on
the order; and
(vi) prescribing the periods to be taken into account when
calculating the hours during which work has been carried
out under a community work order; and
(vii) prescribing the powers and duties of advisory
committees and regulating the holding of their meetings
and the procedures they are to observe at those
meetings;
(i) alternative detention orders, including regulating the conduct
of youths who are subject to the orders;
-- 142 of 161 --
Part 15 Repeals and transitional matters for Youth Justice Act 2005
Youth Justice Act 2005 131
(j) the criteria for persons to be included in the register of support
persons under section 14 and procedures in relation to the
maintenance of the register;
(k) procedures for, and other matters in relation to,
pre-sentencing conferences under section 84;
(l) penalties not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months for offences against the Regulations;
(m) community youth justice officers, including:
(i) prescribing the duties of the officers; and
(ii) providing for the health and safety of the officers.
(3) The Regulations may authorise the CEO or a superintendent of a
detention centre to make a determination in relation to:
(a) the management and operation of a detention centre; or
(b) the maintaining of order within a detention centre; or
(c) a grievance or complaint of a detainee; or
(d) the health, welfare, safe custody and protection of a detainee.
Part 15 Repeals and transitional matters for Youth
Justice Act 2005
218 Definition
In this Part:
commencement date means the date on which this Act comes into
operation.
219 Repeal of Acts
The Acts specified in the Schedule are repealed.
220 Saving of approvals and appointments
(1) An establishment that, immediately before the commencement
date, was a detention centre under the repealed Act is taken to be a
detention centre approved under section 148.
-- 143 of 161 --
Part 16 Provisions for Youth Justice Amendment Act 2010
Youth Justice Act 2005 132
(2) A person who, immediately before the commencement date, was
the superintendent of a detention centre under the repealed Act is
taken to be the superintendent of that detention centre appointed
under section 151.
(3) A person who, immediately before the commencement date, was
an official visitor under the repealed Act is taken to be an official
visitor appointed under section 169.
221 Orders of Juvenile Court
(1) An order made by the Juvenile Court:
(a) continues in the same terms until the order is discharged or
expires; and
(b) can be reviewed, varied or revoked under this Act as if the
order had been made under this Act.
(2) However, an order made by the Juvenile Court will be breached
only in the circumstances set out in the repealed Act for an order of
that type.
222 Proceedings not completed
Any proceeding before the Juvenile Court that, immediately before
the commencement date, had not been completed may be
continued before the Youth Justice Court under this Act.
223 Offences committed before commencement of this Act
(1) This Act applies in relation to an offence committed by a youth
before the commencement date.
(2) However, a youth is not liable to a greater penalty in respect of an
offence committed before the commencement date than he or she
would be if the repealed Act were still in force.
Part 16 Provisions for Youth Justice Amendment
Act 2010
224 Exercise of jurisdiction under pre-commencement Act
(1) The purpose of this section is to validate the exercise of jurisdiction
by the Youth Justice Court under the pre-commencement Act in
relation to declared charges, or the purported exercise of such
jurisdiction.
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Part 16 Provisions for Youth Justice Amendment Act 2010
Youth Justice Act 2005 133
(2) The Youth Justice Court is taken to have, and always to have had,
jurisdiction under the pre-commencement Act to hear and
determine, or decide not to hear, summarily all declared charges.
(3) In addition to subsection (2), an exercise of jurisdiction in relation to
a declared charge by the Youth Justice Court under the
pre-commencement Act, or the purported exercise of such
jurisdiction, is taken to be, and always to have been, valid and
effective for all purposes as if exercised after the commencement of
this section.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to proceedings in relation to a
declared charge allegedly committed by a particular youth if:
(a) before the commencement, the Supreme Court made a
decision about the jurisdiction, or want of jurisdiction, of the
Youth Justice Court in relation to the declared charge; and
(b) the application of the subsections in relation to the declared
charge would be inconsistent with the decision of the Supreme
Court.
(5) In this section:
declared charge means a charge in respect of an indictable
offence that, if the offence had been committed by an adult:
(a) the offence would not be punishable by imprisonment for life;
and
(b) the adult could not consent to the charge being heard and
determined summarily.
exercise of jurisdiction, in relation to a declared charge, includes
any of the following relating to the declared charge:
(a) instituting, adjourning and continuing a proceeding;
(b) issuing a warrant, summons or other process;
(c) making or giving an order, direction, notice, whether by
instrument or otherwise;
(d) making a finding of guilt;
(e) imposing a sentence;
(f) doing any other act or thing under an Act.
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Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 1 Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Damage) Act 2011
Youth Justice Act 2005 134
pre-commencement Act means this Act as in force at any time
before the commencement of this section.
225 Matter before Supreme Court at commencement
(1) This section applies in relation to a matter:
(a) that, on the commencement of this section, is before the
Supreme Court; and
(b) that, after the commencement, the Youth Justice Court has
jurisdiction to hear and determine summarily.
(2) The Supreme Court must consider whether:
(a) the Supreme Court should continue to deal with the matter; or
(b) the Youth Justice Court should hear and determine the matter
summarily.
(3) If the Supreme Court considers the matter should be heard and
determined summarily by the Youth Justice Court, and the youth
consents, the Supreme Court:
(a) may remit the matter to the Youth Justice Court; and
(b) may give any directions about the matter that the Supreme
Court considers appropriate for the remission.
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 1 Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Damage)
Act 2011
226 Transitional matters for Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal
Damage) Act 2011
The amendment made to regulation 3 of the Youth Justice
Regulations by the Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Damage)
Act 2011 does not affect the operation of this Act, on and after the
commencement of the amendment, to an offence:
(a) mentioned in regulation 3(a) of the Youth Justice Regulations
as in force immediately before the commencement of the
amendment; and
(b) was committed or is alleged to have been committed before
the commencement of the amendment.
-- 146 of 161 --
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 4 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2017
Youth Justice Act 2005 135
Division 2 Justice and Other Legislation Amendment
Act 2014
227 Application of section 131 to offences committed before
commencement
(1) Section 131, as amended by the Justice and Other Legislation
Amendment Act 2014, applies only in relation to a sentence for an
offence committed before the commencement of this section
(commencement) if the sentence is imposed in proceedings in
which a court starts hearing sentencing submissions after
commencement.
(2) Section 131, as in force before commencement, continues to apply
in relation to a sentence for an offence committed before
commencement if the sentence is or was imposed in proceedings in
which a court started hearing sentencing submissions before
commencement.
Division 3 Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2015
228 Application of amendments
(1) Section 87, as amended by the amending Act, applies if a youth is
sentenced by the Court to a further term of detention or
imprisonment after the commencement, even if the offence to which
the sentence relates was committed before the commencement.
(2) Section 130, as in force immediately before the commencement,
continues to apply in relation to a sentence, the service of which
was suspended under section 130 before the commencement, as if
the amending Act had not commenced.
(3) In this section:
amending Act means the Sentencing Legislation Amendment
Act 2015.
commencement means the commencement of the amending Act.
Division 4 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation
Amendment Act 2017
229 Definitions
In this Division:
amending Act means the Youth Justice Legislation Amendment
Act 2017.
-- 147 of 161 --
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 4 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2017
Youth Justice Act 2005 136
commencement means the commencement of Part 2 of the
amending Act.
probation and parole officer means a probation and parole officer
as defined in section 5(1) of this Act as in force immediately before
the commencement.
the Board means the Parole Board of the Northern Territory as
defined in section 3(1) of the Parole Act 1971.
230 Immunity continues
Despite the amendments made to section 215 by the amending
Act, that section continues to apply to a person who is or has been
a probation and parole officer, as if the amending Act had not
commenced.
231 Prosecutions may be made by Commissioner of Correctional
Services
(1) Despite section 215A, proceedings for an offence against this Act
may be started by the Commissioner of Correctional Services.
(2) The proceedings must be started:
(a) within 6 months after the date on which the Commissioner of
Correctional Services first became aware of the commission of
the offence; and
(b) within 6 months after the commencement.
232 Superseded references to certain offices
(1) A reference to a probation and parole officer in an order:
(a) of the Board or of any Court in relation to a youth under this or
any other Act; and
(b) that is in effect immediately before the commencement,
is taken, on and after the commencement, to be a reference to a
community youth justice officer.
(2) A reference to the Commissioner of Correctional Services in an
order:
(a) of any Court in relation to a youth under this or any other Act;
and
(b) that is in effect immediately before the commencement,
-- 148 of 161 --
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 6 Transitional matters for Youth Justice and Related Legislation Amendment
Act 2019
Youth Justice Act 2005 137
is taken, on and after the commencement, to be a reference to the
CEO, unless the Commissioner of Correctional Services is the
appropriate authority.
Division 5 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation
Amendment Act 2018
233 Definitions
In this Division:
amending Act means the Youth Justice Legislation Amendment
Act 2018.
commencement means the commencement of Part 2 of the
amending Act.
234 Isolated detainees
A detainee who, immediately before the commencement, is isolated
from other detainees under section 153(5) as in force immediately
before the commencement is, after the commencement, taken to be
separated from other detainees under section 155A as in force after
the commencement.
235 Restrained detainees
A detainee who, immediately before the commencement, is
restrained under section 152(1A) as in force immediately before the
commencement is, after the commencement, taken to be restrained
under section 155(1) as in force after the commencement.
Division 6 Transitional matters for Youth Justice and Related
Legislation Amendment Act 2019
236 Definitions
In this Division:
amending Act means the Youth Justice and Related Legislation
Amendment Act 2019.
commencement means the commencement of section 41 of the
amending Act.
237 Application of section 215B after commencement
(1) Section 215B, as amended by the amending Act, applies in relation
to any act done or omitted to be done after the commencement.
-- 149 of 161 --
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 9 Transitional matters for Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2023
Youth Justice Act 2005 138
(2) For subsection (1), the act done or omitted to be done is taken to
have been done or omitted to have been done after the
commencement if:
(a) for an act – all of the conduct constituting the act occurred
after the commencement; or
(b) for an act that has omitted to be done – the act has omitted to
be done after the commencement, irrespective of whether the
omission began before or after the commencement.
238 Application of section 215B before commencement
(1) Section 215B, as in force immediately before the commencement,
applies in relation to acts done or omitted to be done before the
commencement.
(2) For subsection (1), the act done or omitted to be done is taken to
have been done or omitted to have been done before the
commencement if:
(a) for an act – any of the conduct constituting the act occurred
before the commencement; or
(b) for an act that has omitted to be done – the act has omitted to
be done before the commencement.
Division 7 Transitional matters for Sexual Offences (Evidence
and Procedure) Amendment Act 2020
239 Publications allowed under section 50(2)
(1) Section 50(2), as amended by the Sexual Offences (Evidence and
Procedure) Amendment Act 2020, applies only in relation to a
report or information published after the commencement of
section 8 of that Act (the commencement).
(2) For section 50(2)(c), consent must be given after the
commencement.
Division 9 Transitional matters for Sentencing Legislation
Amendment Act 2023
241 Application of Part 5, Division 4
(1) Part 5, Division 4, as inserted by the Sentencing Legislation
Amendment Act 2023, applies in relation to the sentencing of a
youth for an offence committed after the commencement.
-- 150 of 161 --
Part 17 Transitional matters
Division 10 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2025
Youth Justice Act 2005 139
(2) For subsection (1), if any of the conduct constituting an offence
occurred before the commencement, the offence is taken to have
been committed before the commencement.
(3) In this section:
commencement means the commencement of Part 3 of the
Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2023.
Division 10 Transitional matters for Youth Justice Legislation
Amendment Act 2025
242 Definitions
In this Division:
amending Act means the Youth Justice Legislation Amendment
Act 2025.
commencement means the day on which section 3 of the Act
commences.
243 Register of appropriate support persons
On the commencement, the register maintained by the Youth
Justice Advisory Committee under section 14, as in force before the
commencement, becomes the register maintained by the CEO
under section 14.
244 Amendments to section 81: sentencing principles and
considerations
Section 81, as amended by section 11 of the amending Act, applies
in relation to the sentencing of a youth for an offence after the
commencement even if the offence was committed before the
commencement.
245 Amendments to section 122: offences during adjournment
Section 122, as amended by section 12 of the amending Act,
applies in relation to a youth who after the commencement is found
guilty of an offence mentioned in section 122(1)(b), regardless of
when the youth committed the offence mentioned in
section 122(1)(a).
-- 151 of 161 --
Schedule Repealed Acts
Youth Justice Act 2005 140
Schedule Repealed Acts
section 219
Juvenile Justice Act 1983 Act No. 77 of 1983
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1987 Act No. 58 of 1987
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1990 Act No. 24 of 1990
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1991 Act No. 43 of 1991
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1992 Act No. 74 of 1992
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1993 Act No. 45 of 1993
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1995 Act No. 18 of 1995
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1996 Act No. 23 of 1996
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 2) 1996 Act No. 61 of 1996
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 3) 1996 Act No. 62 of 1996
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1998 Act No. 12 of 1998
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 2) 1998 Act No. 81 of 1998
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 3) 1998 Act No. 86 of 1998
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 1999 Act No. 12 of 1999
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 2) 1999 Act No. 34 of 1999
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2000 Act No. 6 of 2000
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2001 Act No. 28 of 2001
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act (No. 2) 2001 Act No. 53 of 2001
Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2002 Act No. 5 of 2002
-- 152 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 141
ENDNOTES
1 KEY Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Youth Justice Act 2005 (Act No. 32, 2005)
Assent date 22 September 2005
Commenced 1 August 2006 (Gaz G30, 26 July 2006, p 3)
Criminal Reform Amendment Act (No. 2) 2006 (Act No. 34, 2006)
Assent date 3 November 2006
Commenced 20 December 2006 (Gaz G51, 20 December 2006, p 2)
Justice Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2006 (Act No. 35, 2006)
Assent date 3 November 2006
Commenced 3 November 2006
Statute Law Revision Act 2007 (Act No. 4, 2007)
Assent date 8 March 2007
Commenced 8 March 2007
Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (Act No. 37, 2007)
Assent date 12 December 2007
Commenced Ch 1 and pts 3.3 and 5.1: 7 May 2008 (Gaz G18, 7 May 2008,
p 4); Ch 2 (exc pt 2.1, div 6 and s 127), Ch 3, pts 3.1 and 3.2
(exc s 187) and Ch 5, pts 5.2 to 5.6: 8 December 2008
(Gaz G47, 26 November 2008, p 6); Ch 4: 9 June 2009
(Gaz S27, 1 June 2009); Ch 2, pt 2.1, div 6: 18 August 2010
(Gaz S43, 18 August 2010); s 187: 1 July 2011 (Gaz S32,
20 June 2011); s 127: nc
Youth Justice Amendment (Family Responsibility) Act 2008 (Act No. 14, 2008)
Assent date 23 May 2008
Commenced ss 3 and 4: 30 May 2008; rem: 1 July 2008 (Gaz S24,
30 May 2008)
-- 153 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 142
Cross-border Justice Act 2009 (Act No. 1, 2009)
Assent date 12 March 2009
Commenced ss 67(b), 68(2)(e), 106, 108, 114, 116 and pt 15, div 6:
1 December 2009; rem: 1 November 2009 (Gaz S59,
29 October 2009)
Ombudsman Act 2009 (Act No. 5, 2009)
Assent date 12 March 2009
Commenced 1 July 2009 (Gaz G21, 27 May 2009, p 5)
Health Practitioner (National Uniform Legislation) Implementation Act 2010 (Act No. 18,
2010)
Assent date 20 May 2010
Commenced 1 July 2010 (s 2)
Youth Justice Amendment Act 2010 (Act No. 26, 2010)
Assent date 24 August 2010
Commenced 24 August 2010
Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals Reform) Act 2010 (Act No. 31, 2010)
Assent date 9 September 2010
Commenced 1 April 2011 (Gaz G13, 30 March 2011, p 8)
Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Damage) Act 2011 (Act No. 5, 2011)
Assent date 16 March 2011
Commenced 1 June 2011 (Gaz S19,4 May 2011)
Justice (Corrections) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2011 (Act No. 24, 2011)
Assent date 31 August 2011
Commenced ss 3, 9 to 11, 15 to 17, 19, 20, 24, 33, 42, schs 1 and 2, sch 4,
pt 1 and sch 5: 31 August 2011 (s 2); rem: 27 February 2012
(Gaz S9, 21 February 2012)
Penalties Amendment (Children and Families, Health and Primary Industry, Fisheries
and Resources) Act 2011 (Act No. 28, 2011)
Assent date 31 August 2011
Commenced 21 September 2011 (Gaz G38, 21 September 2011, p 4)
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (Act No. 11, 2014)
Assent date 16 April 2014
Commenced 1 July 2014 (Gaz S54, 1 July 2014)
Correctional Services (Related and Consequential Amendments) Act 2014 (Act No. 27,
2014)
Assent date 4 September 2014
Commenced 9 September 2014 (Gaz S80, 9 September 2014, p 2)
Justice Legislation Amendment (Summary Procedure) Act 2015 (Act No. 20, 2015)
Assent date 6 July 2015
Commenced 21 September 2015 (Gaz S92, 16 September 2015)
Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (Act No. 22, 2015)
Assent date 6 July 2015
Commenced 29 July 2015 (Gaz G30, 29 July 2015, p 1)
-- 154 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 143
Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016)
Assent date 6 April 2016
Commenced 1 May 2016 (s 2, s 2 Local Court (Repeals and Related
Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016) and Gaz S34,
29 April 2016)
Local Court (Repeals and Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016)
Assent date 6 April 2016
Commenced 1 May 2016 (Gaz S34, 29 April 2016)
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment (Records of Depositions and Other Matters)
Act 2016 (Act No. 16, 2016)
Assent date 8 June 2016
Commenced 1 July 2016 (Gaz S59, 1 July 2016)
Youth Justice Amendment Act 2016 (Act No. 21, 2016)
Assent date 8 June 2016
Commenced 1 August 2016 (Gaz S75, 27 July 2016)
Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Act No. 36, 2016)
Assent date 20 December 2016
Commenced 1 March 2017 (Gaz G9, 1 March 2017, p 15)
Statute Law Revision Act 2017 (Act No. 4, 2017)
Assent date 10 March 2017
Commenced 12 April 2017 (Gaz G15, 12 April 2017, p 3)
Parole Amendment Act 2017 (Act No. 17, 2017)
Assent date 30 August 2017
Commenced 13 September 2017 (Gaz G37, 13 September 2017, p 3)
Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (Act No. 19, 2017)
Assent date 30 October 2017
Commenced 5 January 2018 (Gaz G51, 20 December 2017, p 4)
Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 12, 2018)
Assent date 23 May 2018
Commenced 24 May 2018 (s 2)
Health Practitioner Regulation (National Uniform Legislation) and Other Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 28, 2018)
Assent date 30 November 2018
Commenced 1 December 2018 (s 2)
Youth Justice Amendment Act 2019 (Act No. 7, 2019)
Assent date 28 March 2019
Commenced 24 May 2018 (s 2)
Youth Justice and Related Legislation Amendment Act 2019 (Act No. 32, 2019)
Assent date 9 October 2019
Commenced 2 March 2020 (Gaz G5, 5 February 2020, p 2)
Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Amendment Act 2020 (Act No. 22, 2020)
Assent date 1 July 2020
Commenced 29 July 2020 (Gaz G28, 15 July 2020, p 2)
-- 155 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 144
Statute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)
Assent date 19 November 2020
Commenced 20 November 2020 (s 2)
Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 9, 2021)
Assent date 14 May 2021
Commenced 15 May 2021 (s 2)
Territory Families Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 25, 2021)
Assent date 15 December 2021
Commenced pt 4: 13 January 2022 (Gaz S2, 13 January 2022);
rem: 1 February 2022 (Gaz S3, 31 February 2022)
Criminal Code Amendment (Age of Criminal Responsibility) Act 2022 (Act No. 30, 2022)
Assent date 16 December 2022
Commenced 1 August 2023 (Gaz S50, 27 July 2023)
Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Act No. 11, 2023)
Assent date 26 May 2023
Commenced 1 December 2023 (Gaz S81, 30 November 2023)
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 4, 2024)
Assent date 14 March 2024
Commenced pt 5, div 1: 30 October 2023 (s 2(2));
pt 3, div 2: 25 March 2024 (s 2(3), s 2 Sentencing and Other
Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (Act No. 28, 2022) and
Gaz S19, 22 March 2024); pt 4: 25 March 2024 (s 2(4), s 2
Criminal Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences)
Act 2023 (Act No. 20, 2023) and Gaz S20, 22 March 2024);
rem: 15 March 2024 (s 2(1))
Justice and Other Legislation Further Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 9, 2024)
Assent date 24 May 2024
Commenced pt 4: 1 July 2024 (s 2(2)), s 2 Health Care Decision Making
Act 2023 (Act No. 19, 2023) and Gaz G13, 20 June 2024,
p 2); pts 9 and 10: 1 July 2024 (s 2(3)); pt 8: nc;
rem: 25 May 2024 (s 2(1))
Bail Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 16, 2024)
Assent date 29 October 2024
Commenced 6 January 2025 (Gaz S111, 23 December 2024)
Criminal Code Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 18, 2024)
Assent date 29 October 2024
Commenced 30 October 2024 (s 2)
Bail and Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 9, 2025)
Assent date 30 April 2025
Commenced 7 May 2025 (s 2)
Youth Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 21, 2025)
Assent date 11 August 2025
Commenced 4 September 2025 (Gaz S53, 28 August 2025)
-- 156 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 145
3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS
General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table
of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: ss 1, 5, 16, 18, 25, 38, 41, 46,
51, 53, 55, 56B, 82, 83, 88, 89, 92, 125, 128, 131, 133, 134, 140AA, 144,
165, 167, 167B, 181, 215B and 229.
4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
s 3 amd No. 21, 2025, s 4
s 4 amd No. 9, 2025, s 10
s 5 amd No. 35, 2006, s 45; No. 18, 2010, s 89; No. 26, 2010, s 3; No. 31, 2010,
s 25; No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 22, 2015, s 10; No. 9, 2016, s 154; No. 21,
2016, s 4; No. 19, 2017, s 4; No. 12, 2018, s 4; No. 28, 2018, s 21, No. 7,
2019, s 4; No. 32, 2019, s 24; No. 9, 2021, s 14; No. 11, 2023, s 4; No. 9,
2024, s 39; No. 21, 2025, s 5
pt 1
div 3 hdg sub No. 27, 2014, s 48
rep No. 19, 2017, s 5
ins No. 12, 2018, s 5
s 10 sub No. 27, 2014, s 48
rep No. 19, 2017, s 5
ins No. 12, 2018, s 5
amd No. 7, 2019, s 5; No. 26, 2020, s 3; No. 21, 2025, s 6
s 11 rep No. 27, 2014, s 48
s 14 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 21, 2025, s 7
s 15 amd No. 32, 2019, s 25
s 18 amd No. 32, 2019, s 26; No. 9, 2021, s 15; No. 21, 2025, s 8
s 22 amd No. 9, 2021, s 16; No. 16, 2024, s 22
s 24 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 25 amd No. 26, 2020, s 3
s 27 sub No. 32, 2019, s 27
s 30 amd No. 18, 2010, s 89; No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 12, 2018, s 6
s 31 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 12, 2018, s 7
s 32 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 33 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 12, 2018, s 8
s 35 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 38 amd No. 32, 2019, s 28
s 38A ins No. 32, 2019, s 29
s 39 amd No. 4, 2007, s 2; No. 14, 2008, s 4; No. 32, 2019, s 30; No. 9, 2021, s 17
s 40 sub No. 21, 2025, s 9
s 42A ins No. 32, 2019, s 31
s 43 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3; No. 32, 2019, s 32
s 45 amd No. 9, 2016, s 155
s 46 sub No. 9, 2016, s 156
s 46A ins No. 9, 2016, s 156
s 47 amd No. 1, 2009, s 158; No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 48 amd No. 1, 2009, s 159
s 49 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3; No. 9, 2016, s 159
sub No. 32, 2019, s 33
s 50 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3
sub No. 32, 2019, s 33
amd No. 22, 2020, s 8
s 51 sub No. 37, 2007, s 335
amd No. 9, 2021, s 18
s 52 amd No. 26, 2010, s 4
-- 157 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 146
s 53 amd No. 26, 2010, s 5; No. 20, 2015, s 15
sub No. 9, 2016, s 157
amd No. 16, 2016, s 10; No. 32, 2019, s 34
s 54 sub No. 26, 2010, s 6
s 54A ins No. 26, 2010, s 6
s 55 sub No. 26, 2010, s 6
amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 56 sub No. 26, 2010, s 6
s 56A ins No. 26, 2010, s 6
s 56B ins No. 31, 2010, s 26
amd No. 9, 2016, s 158
s 57 amd No. 26, 2010, s 7
s 58 amd No. 26, 2010, s 8; No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 61 amd No. 32, 2019, s 35
s 64 sub No. 32, 2019, s 36
amd No. 9, 2021, s 19; No. 21, 2025, s 10
s 64A ins No. 32, 2019, s 36
amd No. 9, 2021, s 20
s 64B ins No. 9, 2021, s 21
s 65 amd No. 35, 2006, s 46; No. 27, 2014, s 56
pt 5
div 4 hdg ins No. 11, 2023, s 10
s 80A ins No. 11, 2023, s 10
amd No. 9, 2024, s 40
ss 80B – 80C ins No. 11, 2023, s 10
s 80D ins No. 11, 2023, s 10
amd No. 9, 2024, s 41
ss 80E – 80F ins No. 11, 2023, s 10
s 81 amd No. 21, 2025, s 11
s 82 amd No. 34, 2006, s 24
s 83 amd No. 24, 2011, s 41; No. 9, 2021, s 22; No. 4, 2024, s 56
s 85 amd No. 22, 2015, s 11
s 86 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 87 amd No. 22, 2015, s 12
s 89A ins No. 9, 2021, s 23
s 91 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 94 – 97 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 98A ins No. 35, 2006, s 47
amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 101 – 103 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 105 – 108 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56
rep No. 19, 2017, s 5
s 109 rep No. 19, 2017, s 5
s 110 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 112 – 115 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 116 – 118 amd No. 19, 2017, s 11
ss 119 – 120 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 121 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 122 amd No. 21, 2025, s 12
s 123 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 32, 2019, s 37
s 130 amd No. 22, 2015, s 13
s 131 sub No. 11, 2014, s 15
amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 17, 2017 s 15
s 132 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 17, 2017 s 15
rep No. 19, 2017, s 5
s 134 amd No. 8, 2016, s 45; No. 4, 2017, s 34
s 136 sub No. 35, 2006, s 48
rep No. 21, 2025, s 13
-- 158 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 147
s 137 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56
s 138 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
pt 6AA hdg ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
pt 6AA
div 1 hdg ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
s 140AA ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
pt 6AA
div 2 hdg ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
ss 140AB –
140AE ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
pt 6AA
div 3 hdg ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
s 140AF ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
amd No. 12, 2018, s 9
ss 140AG –
140AH ins No. 19, 2017, s 6
pt 6A hdg ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
pt 6A
div 1 hdg ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
s 140A ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 24
s 140B ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 25
s 140C ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 26
s 140CA ins No. 9, 2021, s 27
pt 6A
div 2 hdg ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
s 140D ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
s 140E ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 28
s 140F ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 29
pt 6A
div 3 hdg ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 30
s 140G ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 140H ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 9, 2021, s 31
ss 140J –
140K ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
rep No. 9, 2021, s 32
s 140L ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
amd No. 32, 2019, s 38
rep No. 9, 2021, s 32
s 140M ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
rep No. 9, 2021, s 32
pt 6A
div 4 hdg ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
rep No. 9, 2021, s 32
ss 140N –
140R ins No. 14, 2008, s 5
rep No. 9, 2021, s 32
ss 142 – 143 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 144 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
s 146 amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
-- 159 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 148
pt 8
div 1AA hdg ins No. 21, 2025, s 14
ss 147A –
147C ins No. 21, 2025, s 14
s 150 amd No. 32, 2019, s 39
s 151AA ins No. 21, 2016, s 5
amd No. 36, 2016, s 4; No. 19, 2017, s 11
rep No. 12, 2018, s 10
ss 151AB ins No. 21, 2016, s 5
sub No. 36, 2016, s 5
amd No. 12, 2018, s 11
rep No. 21, 2025, s 15
s 151 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 152 amd No. 21, 2016, s 6; No. 12, 2018, s 12
s 153 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 21, 2016, s 7; No. 19, 2017, s 11,
sub No. 12, 2018, s 13
amd No. 7, 2019, s 6; No. 21, 2025, s 16
s 154 sub No. 27, 2014, s 49
amd No. 9, 2016, s 159
rep No. 19, 2017, s 7
ins No. 12, 2018, s 13
amd No. 28, 2018, s 22, No. 7, 2019, s 7; No. 21, 2025, s 17
s 155 sub No. 21, 2016, s 8; No. 12, 2018, s 13
amd No. 7, 2019, s 8; No. 21, 2025, s 18
s 155A ins No. 12, 2018, s 13
amd No. 7, 2019, s 9
rep No. 21, 2025, s 19
s 155B ins No. 12, 2018, s 13
rep No. 21, 2025, s 19
s 156 amd No. 12, 2018, s 14; No. 21, 2025, s 20
s 157 amd No. 27, 2014, s 50; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 157A ins No. 27, 2014, s 51
amd No. 21, 2016, s 9; No. 19, 2017, s 11
rep No. 21, 2025, s 21
s 157B ins No. 27, 2014, s 51
amd No. 21, 2016, s 10
rep No. 19, 2017, s 7
s 158 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 21, 2016, s 11; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 158A ins No. 21, 2016, s 12
amd No. 36, 2016, s 6; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 21, 2025, s 22
pt 8
div 2A hdg ins No. 21, 2025, s 23
ss 158B –
158G ins No. 21, 2025, s 23
s 159 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 9, 2016, s 159; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 12,
2018, s 15
s 160 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 12, 2018, s 16; No. 28,
2018, s 23
s 161 sub No. 12, 2018, s 17
amd No. 7, 2019, s 10; No. 32, 2019, s 40; No. 21, 2025, s 24
s 163 amd No. 5, 2009, s 179
ss 164 – 165 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 167 amd No. 27, 2014, s 52
sub No. 21, 2025, s 25
s 167A ins No. 27, 2014, s 53
s 167B ins No. 19, 2017, s 8
s 168 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3
s 168A ins No. 7, 2019, s 11
-- 160 of 161 --
ENDNOTES
Youth Justice Act 2005 149
s 170 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 175 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11; No. 12, 2018, s 18; No. 28,
2018, s 24
ss 176 – 178 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 180 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 181 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 30, 2022, s 16; No. 18, 2024, s 20
s 193 amd No. 21, 2025, s 26
ss 195 – 199 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3
ss 200 – 201 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3; No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
pt 13 hdg rep No. 21, 2025, s 27
ss 202 – 205 rep No. 21, 2025, s 27
s 206 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
rep No. 21, 2025, s 27
ss 207 – 213 rep No. 21, 2025, s 27
s 214 amd No. 28, 2011, s 3; No. 25, 2021, s 28
s 215 amd No. 27, 2014, s 54; No. 19, 2017, s 9
s 215A ins No. 27, 2014, s 55
amd No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 215B ins No. 27, 2014, s 55
amd No. 32, 2019, s 41
s 216 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
s 216A ins No. 21, 2025, s 28
s 217 amd No. 27, 2014, s 56; No. 19, 2017, s 11
pt 16 hdg ins No. 26, 2010, s 9
ss 224 – 225 ins No. 26, 2010, s 9
pt 17 hdg ins No. 5, 2011, s 9
sub No. 11, 2014, s 16
pt 17
div 1 hdg ins No. 11, 2014, s 16
s 226 ins No. 5, 2011, s 9
pt 17
div 2 hdg ins No. 11, 2014, s 17
s 227 ins No. 11, 2014, s 17
pt 17
div 3 hdg ins No. 22, 2015, s 14
s 228 ins No. 22, 2015, s 14
pt 17
div 4 hdg ins No. 19, 2017, s 10
ss 229 – 232 ins No. 19, 2017, s 10
pt 17
div 5 hdg ins No. 12, 2018, s 19
ss 233 – 235 ins No. 12, 2018, s 19
pt 17
div 6 hdg ins No. 32, 2019, s 42
ss 236 – 238 ins No. 32, 2019, s 42
pt 17
div 7 hdg ins No. 22, 2020, s 9
s 239 ins No. 22, 2020, s 9
pt 17
div 9 hdg ins No. 11, 2023, s 11
s 241 ins No. 11, 2023, s 11
pt 17
div 10 hdg ins No. 21, 2025, s 29
ss 242 – 245 rep No. 21, 2025, s 29
-- 161 of 161 --
Official source: https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/Legislation/YOUTH-JUSTICE-ACT-2005