LETTER: Will compulsory rehabilitation stand up in court?

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Sir –  I call on John Elferink to release the legal advice that his alcohol laws will stand up to an appeal. Legal experts have questioned that they will.
Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has said that the CLP’s legislation may be illegal.  The NT legal community has also raised concerns. Mick Gooda joins a chorus of other experts who have questioned the legality of the CLP’s policy.
Even the CLP’s own Alcohol Rehabilitation Minister Robyn Lambley has said she is unsure if her laws will stand up to an appeal.
I also call on the Attorney General to release advice from the NT Anti Discrimination Commissioner that his laws are not discriminatory.
The CLP must also remove the gag on police and release their advice on the legislation and the affects of the decision to scrap the Banned Drinkers Register.
John Elferink had already bungled legislation this year by ignoring legal advice.
Earlier this month, he had to bring in an amendment bill into parliament to correct an error he had made in sentencing legislation from earlier this year; legislation that legal experts had earlier told him was flawed.
The CLP bungled that legislation. Tackling alcohol is too important for further incompetence and gagging.  The CLP should agree to a bipartisan committee and allow experts to scrutinise the legislation.
 
Lynne Walker
Labor Shadow Attorney General