New NT laws: 'more Aboriginal people jailed'

The Australian Council for Civil Liberties says more Aboriginal people will go to jail under proposed mandatory sentencing laws in the Northern Territory.

The Territory Government plans to introduce new measures that would see anyone who commits a violent assault behind bars.

Australian Council of Civil Liberties president Terry O'Gorman says when mandatory sentencing laws are introduced it will be those who are most vulnerable in society that are hardest hit.

"You will see that the result of this particular measure, if it's implemented, will mean many more people from the Aboriginal community jailed," he said.

"Already the Northern Territory vies very close with Western Australia for the highest amount of Aborigines jailed in any state or territory in Australia."

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