The Northern Territory Labor government in Australia has extended a youth curfew in Alice Springs by six days until April 16. Young people under the age of 18 are unable to enter the town centre between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. without a valid reason, such as medical emergencies, travelling to work, gaining access to a youth service, or if they are accompanied by a responsible adult. The curfew was originally implemented in late March following a string of violent incidents and unrest in the city, which occurred after the funeral of a teenager who died in a car crash involving a stolen car.
The government extended the measure following advice from the Territory Emergency Management Committee. While initially meant to expire on April 10, the government decided to extend it. The Labor government declared an emergency situation in Alice Springs on March 27 and declared an initial 14-day curfew which included Easter and the school holidays. At the time, the Territory government said the unrest in the city was unacceptable and the government would not stand for it. The government mentioned that they have seen encouraging results following the introduction of the youth curfew and explained that police and government departments would work more closely than they did previously.
On April 9, Labor Chief Minister Eva Lawler stated that the curfew was working as a circuit-breaker and emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum. The government is taking a common-sense approach to improving community safety in Alice Springs. Meanwhile, the Opposition Country Liberal Party called on the Labor government to extend the curfew until the end of April. Police Minister Brent Potter assured that the police would continue to work hard to enforce the curfew and collaborate with other agencies even after the curfew was lifted.
Following the initial curfew announcement, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) Deputy Chief Executive Leeanne Caton criticized the intervention as a knee-jerk reaction. Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro called for an even longer youth curfew to address the safety concerns in Alice Springs. The Territory government deployed 50 extra police in Alice Springs at the time of announcing the emergency declaration in late March. Youth under the age of 18 were advised that if they were found in the city without a valid reason during curfew hours, they would be taken home or to a safe place. Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson expressed support for the curfew, acknowledging the community’s frustration and the need for change. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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