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2 May 2025

The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) has condemned the NT Government’s latest Law and Order budget preview, calling it an insult to officers who continue to feel abandoned and undervalued - especially in light of the Government’s pitiful 3% wage offer.

NTPA President Nathan Finn expressed deep concern about the Government’s warped priorities, highlighting its refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations over a fair pay deal for NT Police.

“It’s frustrating to see the Chief Minister standing outside Casuarina Police Station this morning, boasting about record spending, while the officers inside that very station feel angry, forgotten, and betrayed by this Government,” President Finn said.

The Government’s own media release states:
“We cannot expect to reduce crime without investing in our police…”

“Well, it’s time to actually invest in your police. Enough excuses. This Government must get its priorities straight and stop hiding behind so-called budget pressures as a reason to deny police the fair pay they deserve.

“The Government’s own Strategic Infrastructure Plan for police includes the wasteful allocation of $60 million earmarked for new police stations in Alpurrurulam and Beswick, communities with populations of 350 and 542 respectively. These facilities are unnecessary, much like the Nightcliff Police Station, built by the previous Labor Government.

“There is no point in planning to build new police stations when you won't have any police to man them. Our existing remote police stations are already unable to be fully staffed, let alone any new stations being built. Our members should be the priority for this Government. Invest in them and they will provide you the biggest return of a safer Northern Territory.

“That money would be far better spent improving housing at existing remote stations and retaining experienced officers through a competitive pay package.

“The NTPA will continue fighting for the pay and conditions that NT Police rightfully deserve—because the safety of every Territorian depends on a well-supported and fully resourced police force.”