The National Network send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Linford Feick. ‘Linford Feick’s death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those who loved and knew him. We acknowledge the pain and grief the community is feeling. This is a time for mourning, healing, and reflection,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘However, the Chief Minister’s response—to rush through harsher bail laws in the wake of this tragedy—is not a mature, well-considered reaction,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘It is reactive, lacking the depth, strategy, and care that genuine community safety requires. Law-and-order crackdowns in the heat of grief do not serve justice—they merely serve politics.,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘These changes will swell the already overburdened prison system in the Northern Territory, a system that is collapsing under the weight of overcrowding, systemic neglect, and racial injustice. More people locked up does not equal safer communities. We cannot incarcerate our way out of social crises,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Lia Finocchiaro’s duty is to lead with vision and responsibility. That means addressing the real drivers of crime: poverty, homelessness, unemployment, untreated mental health needs, and the lack of investment in community supports,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘But instead of confronting these deep-rooted issues, the Chief Minister is shirking responsibility—choosing punishment over prevention, and political capital over long-term solutions,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The National Network urge the Northern Territory Government to pause and reflect. Strengthening communities means investing in housing, healthcare, and education. It means supporting families, not punishing them. It means real change—not rushed, performative legislation that will have devastating consequences for the most marginalised,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Our communities need leadership that heals, not leadership that punishes. We need justice, not vengeance,’ sad Tabitha Lean.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.
