The strongest penalty in Australia for domestic violence murder is set to be introduced by a crime-troubled territory.
Under existing Northern Territory law, anyone convicted of murder receives an automatic life sentence of at least 20 years in prison.
But under proposed legislation, the mandatory non-parole period for murders involving domestic violence would be extended to 25 years.
NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said legislation would be introduced to amend her jurisdiction's Sentencing Act.
The NT had the highest rates of domestic and family violence in the country, particularly impacting Aboriginal women who comprise 89 per cent of all DV victims and are seven times more likely to die.
"I will introduce the strongest sentencing for DV murder in the country," Ms Boothby said on the first day of NT parliament for 2026.
In most jurisdictions, standard non-parole periods are enshrined for domestic violence murders, but they are not enforced as mandatory minimum terms.
The NT legislation will be introduced after almost 100 women were murdered by their partner since 2000.
"This will send a clear message to the community that if you murder your partner you will spend the rest of your life in jail," Ms Boothby said.
"There will be no discounts, no excuses, and no second chances."
Ahead of NT parliament resuming, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government would prioritise law and order and put crime victims first, not offenders.
She also announced the first use of powers allowing the territory coordinator to override NT laws to promote economic development.
Ms Finocchiaro declared a Territory Development Area on Darwin Harbour to create a 246-hectare Northern Marine Complex.
The complex would be a service hub for marine vessels and incorporate a $820 million ship lift project which has been dogged by delays and cost blowouts.
Just under one year ago, the Territory Coordinator Act gave the chief minister and Territory Coordinator Stuart Knowles the power to override NT laws that might block projects of economic significance.
Mr Knowles was empowered to do what was necessary to make sure the marine complex was a well coordinated project that delivered for the NT, the chief minister told reporters.
She cited an independent analysis predicting the project would deliver $924 million in public benefits for the territory along with an estimated 287 jobs.
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