Dutton Pledges Full NT Crime Crackdown Beyond Drone Deployments

Aboriginal children in the Mutitjulu community, near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has thrown his support behind the Northern Territory’s crime crackdown, vowing to back all seven of Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s key demands if the Coalition wins the next election.

Finocchiaro had urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to back her government’s full plan to tackle soaring crime in Alice Springs.

Dutton said a future Coalition government would commit “in principle” to the plan, arguing it would “lead to a reduction in crime” and a “safer environment in Alice Springs.”

“We are very happy to work hand in glove with the [NT] government to provide police with every resource and support so people can live a happy life free of crime,” he said.

He praised Finocchiaro’s leadership, saying she consulted the community and responded decisively.

Finocchiaro’s 7-Point Plan

Finocchiaro is proposing to link Centrelink payments to alcohol-free days to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, and reintroduce compulsory work or training programs with fortnightly reporting.

The minister also says income management is necessary for the parents of youth offenders receiving Centrelink.

She also called for an audit of federally funded programs to ensure effective outcomes, and direct royalty payments to communities instead of through Alice Springs.

A man wheels his wheelchair along Mitchell street in Darwin, Australia, on June 30, 2021. Helen Orr/Getty Images

To enhance law enforcement, she is also seeking broader exemptions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to allow more police drone activities.

Finally, she proposes referring cases of child neglect to the federal government for intervention, ensuring negligent parents face financial penalties.

Albanese Government Approves Drones

Despite Finocchiaro’s push, the Albanese government has acted on one of her requests—removing restrictions on NT police drone operations. This change has already led to improved crime prevention, including tracking stolen vehicles and deterring offenders.

During a recent press conference Finocchiaro thanked Albanese for it.

“When that drone is in the sky, would-be offenders know that they are going to get caught, so I thank [the Prime Minister] for that. We also continue to work in good faith around the other six remaining items but none have been supported.”

Dutton also praised the NT government’s use of police drone technology, crediting it with reducing crime and improving safety for officers.

“The drone technology is being deployed to try and track down stolen cars. It helps protect the safety of police officers who otherwise would be in high-speed pursuits. It’s really, I think, been part of the Finocchiaro government’s leadership, which has led to downward pressure on some of these crime stats.”

Dutton took aim at Albanese for his lack of presence in Alice Springs, arguing that the prime minister has ignored serious issues facing Indigenous Australians since the failed Voice referendum.

“I think this is one of the most acute issues that our prime minister should be dealing with,” he said.

Government Hits Back at Dutton’s Proposals

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy defended the government’s approach, saying Canberra continued to work closely with the NT government.

“Peter Dutton has no plan and no detail on how he would implement these changes,” McCarthy told ABC radio.

McCarthy argued that Centrelink payments cannot be simply adjusted to fit alcohol-free days, as payments are staggered across a ten-day cycle.

She also pointed out that the NT government has failed to utilise existing federal support, including funding for additional frontline police officers.

As the federal election looms, crime in Alice Springs and across the NT remains a political battleground.