Changes to NT laws in 2016

CHANGES TO NORTHERN TERRITORY LAWS IN 2016:

* POWER

- Five per cent reduction in bills

- savings come from restructuring of PowerWater Corporation

* EDUCATION

- 35-year-old Education Act updated

- increased powers for principals to deal with student behaviour

- tighter controls for home schooling

- police checks of mature-age students

- allowing parents to appeal major decisions they don't agree with

- recognising international students

- creating independent structure for non-government schools.