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25 May 2023
 
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) condemns, in the strongest terms, the comments and assertions made by Senator Lidia Thorpe during Senate estimates hearings at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.
 
NTPA Acting President Lisa Bayliss said the Senator is completely out of touch and should publicly apologise for her disgraceful vilification of our hard-working members.
 
“Senator Thorpe's comments demonstrate a severe lack of understanding and awareness of the dire situation faced by NT police and the pressing need for increased resources and staffing. It is also completely inappropriate to make reference to matters which are currently subject to judicial proceedings.
 
“The reality is, the NT Police Force is critically under resourced and understaffed, making it exceedingly difficult for them to effectively combat the escalating crime wave which is plaguing the Territory.
 
“Our members strive, every single day, to keep our communities safe – while facing dangerous and volatile situations with limited resources. The $14.2 million in federal funding is a crucial step in boosting the frontline and equipping our members with the necessary tools to effectively protect our community.
 
“Senator Thorpe's comments not only highlight her ignorance of the harsh realities faced by the NT Police Force, but they also expose her disregard for the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and supporting measures that aim to protect our communities, she has chosen to criticise the funding that will go some way to help bridge the gap between the resources needed and the existing limitations.
 
“This is nothing more than a disrespectful publicity stunt, using the NT Police Force as a pawn for political point scoring to create further division in the community. Senator Thorpe is prioritising her own agenda over the urgent need to address crime and keep Territorians safe”, said Mrs Bayliss.
 
Quotes from Police Federation of Australia (PFA) Chief Executive Officer, Scott Weber:
 
“Senator Thorpe’s comments are not realistic and demonstrate a complete lack of understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by our dedicated police officers.
 
“Instead of attempting to score cheap political points, the Senator should take the time to educate herself with the realities on the ground, particularly in Central Australia, and the immense pressure under which the NT Police Forces operates before making baseless and misguided comments.
 
“NT Police play a crucial role in protecting our community and fostering a sense of unity. They do an absolutely sensational job at keeping communities, right across the Territory, safe. Comments like this serve no purpose except to further divide the community”, said Mr Weber.

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