Sexual assault survivors will soon be able to share their own stories without fear of prosecution in the Northern Territory, if the Government accepts a "well overdue" piece of legislation tabled in Parliament on Thursday.

Key points: Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison has tabled legislation to allow sexual assault survivors to speak to the media

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison has tabled legislation to allow sexual assault survivors to speak to the media The bill has been welcomed by Nina Funnell, a sexual assault survivor advocate

The bill has been welcomed by Nina Funnell, a sexual assault survivor advocate Tasmania has also committed to changing its laws to allow survivors to speak

In the Northern Territory and Tasmania, it is a crime to name sexual assault victims, even with their consent, or for survivors to identify themselves as such.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison tabled a bill to amend the existing Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Act 1983 — which she said would help survivors speak out.

If approved, the changes would mean adult sexual assault survivors could share their stories if they provided prior written consent, had no mental impairments, and did not identify any other alleged victims who had not consented to share their own stories.

"Victims have a right to be heard in the courts," Ms Manison said.

"This bill works towards ensuring victims have the rights they deserve."

Today, Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison tabled a bill to amend the existing Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Act 1983. ( ABC News: Al Dowler )

'Law reform is well overdue'

Ms Manison said the NT's current laws, which had an important role to play to "protect the privacy, safety and welfare of sexual assault survivors", could also reinforce stigma and shame associated with sexual assault.

"It's time the Territory's laws were modernised and brought into line with other jurisdictions — this will do that," she said.

Ms Manison said the new proposed bill stuck a balance between protecting the privacy of survivors and the right for victims to tell their own stories.

The bill has been welcomed by Nina Funnell, a sexual assault survivor advocate and the creator of the #LetHerSpeak campaign.

The NT Parliament House building in Darwin. ( ABC News: Brendan Esposito )

Ms Funnell said not allowing sexual assault survivors to speak freely to the media under their own names, silenced them — which contributed to a sense of powerlessness and increased social stigma.

"Law reform is well overdue," she said.

"It should always be up to the individual survivor to choose if and when they tell their story, if at all.

"Many choose not to, as is their right, but for those individuals who do want to speak out, they should be able to. Our stories belong to us, and us alone."

Ms Funnell said she was pleased the NT Government was acting to reform the law and encouraged people to make submissions during the next phase of the law reform process.

What happens to the proposed bill now?

The bill has now been referred to the legislation scrutiny committee, which will examine the legislation and determine whether it should be passed or amended.

The committee will also consider public submissions, and report back to NT Parliament with its recommendations in March 2020.

Ms Funnell said allowing survivors the opportunity to share their stories could also help educate others.

"When survivors do go public on their own terms, they can reclaim a sense of ownership and control of their own narratives," she said.

"Speaking out, also breaks down social stigma and encourages other survivors to feel less isolated or ashamed.

"We know that each time a survivor goes public it helps to educate others on the causes and impacts of sexual violence, while also encouraging other survivors to engage in help seeking behaviour."



Last month, Tasmania's Attorney-General Elise Archer committed to amending section 194K of its Evidence Act 2001, which would allow victims of sexual assault the right to speak out publicly if they chose to.

Following this announcement, Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said she was also looking at the NT's current provisions and working towards legislative change.

Adult sexual assault survivors in the NT and Tasmania can apply for a court order to allow them to speak to the media, but the process to obtain one can be expensive and lengthy.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the NT has the highest rate of sexual assaults in the nation.

In 2018, there were 145.6 reports of sexual assault to the NT Police per 100,000 people — higher than every other state and territory.

Last year Australia-wide, there were 105.3 reports of sexual assault to police per 100,000 people.