28 April 2025
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) rejects the first consent agreement offer from the Northern Territory Government, refusing to present it to members due to the potential for further demoralisation of an already stretched and burnt-out police force.
The offer includes a pitiful 3% pay rise and – unbelievably - the removal of police housing for officers based in Darwin. This is not just tone-deaf, it is outright disrespectful.
NTPA President Nathan Finn condemned the proposal, describing the Government’s position as “a slap in the face to every police officer in the Northern Territory.”
“I’m absolutely appalled,” said President Finn.
“The Government’s offer demonstrates a blatant disregard for the sacrifices made by our members every single day. And to add insult to injury, they have the audacity to back this offer with a misleading comparison table that tries to dress up a bad deal as something it’s not.
“Just last week, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the only way to fix crime was to keep recruiting more police. I ask her now - what police force is she planning to recruit them to? Because after this insulting offer, it won’t be the Northern Territory Police Force.
“For months, we’ve been negotiating in good faith for a wages package that supports recruitment and retention. What we’ve received instead is a document that insults the intelligence and commitment of our members.
“There's no relief for remote and nothing for regional police.
“Not once in our negotiations was the removal of police housing in Darwin discussed. It is disgraceful to see the Government try and ambush our members with this proposal.
“Let me be crystal clear,” said President Finn.
“Police housing is not up for negotiation. If they take Darwin housing today, we know Katherine and Alice Springs are next. It’s not happening. We will not allow it.”
The NTPA will continue to fight for the fair pay and conditions our members have earned - because without a strong and respected police force, the Northern Territory will face consequences far more dire than a budget line item.
