Budget 19 continues to invest in safer Territory by putting more police on the beat and giving them the resources they need to tackle crime.
Through Budget 2019, the Territory Government will invest:
· $15.75million to deliver on the promised 120 additional frontline officers
· $12.822million to continue to support the Alcohol Harm Minimisation Strategy including 75 Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALI’s) in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.
· $10million per annum to strengthen the police budget
· $42 million for the John Stokes redevelopment, including Nightcliff Police Station, public housing and multi-agency hub.
· $25million into fast-tracking the Palmerston Fire Station
· $9.79million over four years to modernise the police radio system
· $1.4 Million on expanding the CCTV network.
· $4.6 Million on essential items such as communication systems, electronic recording of interview machines, forensics equipment, boats, grass fire units and emergency service rescue equipment
· $250,000 for purchase of more patrol rifles.
Quotes from Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison:
“Every Territorian has a right to feel safe and have their homes and businesses secure.
“Budget 19 continues to invest in more police and better vital programs to tackle crime and ensure a safer Territory.
“We are boosting the police budget with an additional $10 million each year and we will also see the Territory Labor Government's promise to deliver 120 additional front line officers and 75 Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors completed – something the CLP promised but never achieved.
“Our tough plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and violence is working with big reductions in alcohol-related assaults and presentations to hospital, thousands of litres of secondary supply seized by police and venues closed for breaching service rules.
“This year we will see the completion of the state-of-the-art Palmerston Police and work begin on the Nightcliff Police station – both will make a big difference to tackling crime."
Media Contact – Hannah Farmer - 0428 497 154