The Northern Territory Police Association is deeply concerned and disappointed that law and order didn’t feature prominently in Budget 2023/24, with just $12.6 million added to the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services budget.
Acting NTPA President Lisa Bayliss said given the escalating and unsustainable levels of crime and violence, along with February 2023 NTPA survey result that shows 97.6% of survey officers don’t think there are enough police, and 96.7% don’t feel supported by the Northern Territory Government, police and community safety should be the number one priority.
“This is not a budget that shows Government is listening to, and supporting Northern Territory Police.
“There appears to be no urgency from Government to plug the gap caused by an increasing attrition rate within NT Police, with the graduation of 162 Constables, Aboriginal Community Police Officers and Auxiliaries set as a target for the next financial year. The attrition rate is currently 10.65% which means the NT Police Force is losing around 160 officers annually.
“Overall, the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services budget has been increased by just $12.6 million compared to the previous financial year, which is largely due to additional funding for the NT Fire and Rescue service reform.
“The NTPA welcomes the allocation of $3 million in funding to support the recommendations of the review into mental health and wellbeing support within the police department. The provision of funding to support mental health and wellbeing has been a priority for the NTPA. This funding injection is critical to ensuring that the review's recommendations can be fully implemented and that our members receive the vital support services they need to safeguard their wellbeing.
“We’re also pleased to see infrastructure investment in the bush with $19 million allocated for a new police complex at Peppimenarti, but we’re confused why this funding announcement has been made ahead of the Government’s promised independent resource review. We need a wide-ranging review of staffing, resourcing, recruitment, retention and attrition, a thorough workload analysis and a comprehensive assessment of staffing and resourcing for regional and remote areas to ensure the right funding is getting to the right locations.
“Construction on the Peppimenarti police complex is not due to begin until the second quarter of 2024. It’s not clear whether funding has been allocated for additional police to be stationed at Peppimenarti.
“It’s encouraging to see $10.2 for the Remote Policing Implementation Plan. But it’s going to take significant funding for additional staffing, resources and critical infrastructure upgrades, redevelopment and station rebuilds to ensure our members who work bush are adequately supported,” said Mrs Bayliss.
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to NTPA Communications Officer, Kyrrie Blenkinsop +61 (0) 499 017 654 or media@ntpa.com.au
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation
