The Territory Labor Government is investing almost $40 million into tackling crime, keeping our communities safe and stopping the cycle of reoffending in the Territory.

Yesterday’s 2021 budget announcement includes over $20 million in funding for our Police, Fire and Emergency Services.

This huge investment into the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services will improve community safety, assist our prevention and response management for emergencies and most importantly help tackle crime in the Territory.

The $20 million for Police, Fire and Emergency Services includes:

• $19.6 million in police funding
• $1.2 million to increase CCTV and support staff
• $746 00 to support the capability of the Northern Territory Emergency Services; and
• $489 000 to expand the school based policing program.

The Territory Labor Government is also investing $1.2m to extend youth services and $6.7 million to continue funding first response services to address anti-social behaviour issues in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs, including:

• $4.2 million for security patrols and CCTV monitoring
• $860 000 million for youth cultural outreach engagement programs and transport safety services
• $660 000 for the Larrakia Host program
• $520 000 for Return to Country services; and
• $510 000 for youth security night patrols.

There is also $2.06 million provided to continue the BizSecure program which allows local businesses to apply for grants and make permanent security improvements to their properties.

Quotes from Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Nicole Manison:

“Ensuring the safety of all Territorians is this government’s highest priority and we continue to invest more than any other government into Police staffing, CCTV, school based policing, community safety and breaking the cycle of crime.

“Our Police, Fire and Emergency Services do an incredible job, facing many unique challenges, in some of the most remote regions of Australia.

“We must support our Police, Fire and Emergency Services in any way we can - including more police on the beat, better resources and increased funding for support services and programs.

“When the CLP failed to deliver more police, it put more pressure on crime. You can’t tackle crime with more cuts.”

Media Contact - Alex Cannon 0407 239 967