New Judge Appointed in Alice Springs Amid Crime Push
The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to put community safety first, with the appointment of a new Local Court Judge strengthening the justice system.
Territory barrister Jonathan Bortoli has been sworn in as a Judge of the Local Court, following his service as an Acting Judge since September 2025. Judge Bortoli, who grew up in Alice Springs, returns to his roots this week as he commences duties in Alice Springs, supporting frontline justice delivery in Central Australia.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the appointment reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring the justice system can meet demand and deliver timely outcomes that improve community safety.
"Our focus is clear: safer streets, certainty for victims, and a justice system that acts quickly and decisively," Ms Boothby said.
"Appointing experienced judges like Judge Bortoli ensures our courts can respond to increased workloads created by strong law and order reforms and community expectations."
Ms Boothby said investing in judicial capacity is critical to reducing delays, clearing backlogs, and ensuring offenders are dealt with efficiently.
"An effective justice system is essential to community safety. In our year of action, certainty and security, this Government has ensured the NT has more judges, more prosecutors, and better court resources, as part of our $1.5 billion Law and Order Budget, so victims are not left waiting and offenders are held to account," she said.
The appointment comes as Local Court data shows a record pace of case finalisations, driven by the Territory Government's strong law and order agenda and increased demand on courts and police.
"As crime statistics show, we are making real progress in reducing offending and the number of victims across the Territory," Minister Boothby said.
"In the last two weeks alone, new data has revealed that there are over 2,200 fewer victims of crime, lower remand numbers, and fewer offences - including sharp decreases in break-ins and burglaries."
"We are delivering on our commitment to reduce crime, protect victims, and keep Territorians safe. These reforms are working, and we will continue to put community safety first in every decision we make."
https://nt.gov.au/
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