The Northern Territory budget will include $90 million (US$59 million) more for police as the government tackles one of the region’s biggest issues—crime and anti-social behaviour.
Ahead of her first budget on May 14, Chief Minister and Treasurer Eva Lawler has spruiked the extra investment, part of $570 million (US$376 million) to be pumped into the force over the next five years.
Ms. Lawler says Territorians have made it clear that reducing crime is a key concern.
“We know it’s a number-one issue and we need to make sure the budget 2024 reflects that,” she told reporters on May 13.
“Our budget will reflect a large additional investment in police. It will be the largest investment ever in the history of the Northern Territory police.”
Growing crime rates and anti-social behaviour have been major issues in various Territory communities for some time but drew national attention earlier this year following a series of wild brawls in Alice Springs.
The violence erupted after an 18-year-old was killed in a car crash which triggered clashes between rival families.
That prompted the government to impose a three-week curfew in late March, banning children under 18 from entering central Alice Springs between 6pm and 6am.
Extra police resources were also directed to the Red Centre while the government’s longer-term budget plans will add 200 more sworn officers to the Territory’s force as well as 25 emergency call takers and upgrades to infrastructure and equipment.
Also in the budget, the government will invest $1.2 billion in public order and safety while injecting $723 million into building safer and more resilient communities.
Private security will receive an additional $1.1 million to deliver more patrols.
Ms. Lawler said the plan to lower crime and improve community safety was both comprehensive and common sense.
“My number one priority is keeping Territorians safe,” she said.
“Policing in the Territory is a tough job and that’s why I will deliver more police on our streets, more police vans and ensure police have the technology and equipment they need to do the job.”
