NT government faces Federal Court challenge over compensation caps
The Northern Territory government's law capping compensation for prisoners who were unlawfully assaulted, strip searched or imprisoned is being challenged in the Federal Court. The law had drawn criticism from human rights advocates.
A law introduced by the Northern Territory government in recent months, capping compensation payable to prisoners who were unlawfully assaulted, strip searched or unlawfully imprisoned, is now formally being challenged in the Federal Court. The parties bringing the case argue the law is unconstitutional.
Human rights advocates say the law severely limits victims' ability to seek justice. The government has defended the measure as necessary to protect the public budget.
The outcome of the case could influence how similar compensation caps are handled in other states. A hearing date has not yet been set.
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