Qld: Beattie calls for federal government intervention

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
Qld: Beattie calls for federal government intervention

BRISBANE, Feb 15 AAP - Queensland Premier Peter Beattie today urged the federal government
to overturn mandatory sentencing laws in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Mr Beattie said his government did not support the laws.

"We don't support them," he told reporters.

"I have always held the view that states have a degree of autonomy.

"The Northern Territory is in a different position and my view is that the federal
government should intervene."

The federal government today moved to write to the NT and WA governments following
the recent suicide of an 15-year-old Aboriginal male in a Darwin detention centre.

AAP ap/sc/jnb

KEYWORD: MANDATORY BEATTIE

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