Calls for an Independent Commissioner to act on Crime

Home Media Releases Calls for an Independent Commissioner to act on Crime

It is a heated topic that continues to drive conversation across the whole Territory with worsening offences boiling up in Alice Springs and the rural area. That heated topic is a property-related crime.

Property Council of Australia’s NT Executive Director, Ruth Palmer said that Property Crime and unacceptable behaviour is worsening in Alice Springs as highlighted by recent NT Police statistics.

“That is why we are calling for the NT Government to agree and commit to appointing an Independent Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of services and previous recommendations.

“We have produced a report outlining the background and recommendations for the Commissioner to support this call.

“The issue is having a profound impact on the population growth and retention, our tourism industry, the economy and of course, the community sentiment.

“Having visited Alice Springs last week to discuss this with community members, it was evident that they are at a loss with what to do next.

“From our discussions, Alice Springs residents and business owners are passionate about their town and just want to see the best for it.

“We heard stories about workers being pinned down while their business was ransacked, thousands and thousands being spent on glaziers and repairs, and of course, the rising costs of insurance.

“We believe that issue of crime needs to be front and centre of the incoming Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, and her Government.

“While we acknowledge the Government’s underlying policy intention, we believe that there are shortcomings in the current process concerning high volume repeat offenders that need to be addressed.

We need to send a strong message that property-related crime by repeat offenders will not be tolerated in the Territory and we need to find a balanced, pragmatic and responsible solution for all to this very difficult and deep-seated problem.

We are sympathetic that this issue becomes more “political” within the electoral cycles and that the Royal Commission has further complicated an already difficult policy environment.

“In saying that though, we believe that with a slight rebalancing, the Fyles Government could both address the growing public sentiment and misperception whilst still achieving its underlying policy intentions of reforming the youth justice system.

“For too long this issue has not been a front footed priority with the escalating issue rarely being acknowledged.

“We have in the past been vocal on the issues as it effects everybody here and has a real impact on the future growth and stability of the Northern Territory.

“Now is the time to act and to work together collaboratively to tackle the issues that our town centres are facing.

“We know that this issue is not just central to Alice Springs but widespread across the NT.

“We must continue to send the message that we do not and will not accept unacceptable behaviour.

Media contact: Ruth Palmer | M 0450 428 314  |  E [email protected]