13 May 2025
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) will continue to press for greater detail and genuine investment in policing following the release of the CLP Government’s first Budget, handed down earlier today.
NTPA President Nathan Finn said it was deeply concerning that the Association was initially excluded from the Government’s traditional pre-Budget briefing lockdown - despite all other unions receiving invitations. A last-minute invite was only extended after the NTPA made a direct request to attend.
“It’s unacceptable that the NTPA - the body representing the Territory’s police - was left out of the initial Budget briefings. We hope this exclusion was not connected to our ongoing Consent Agreement negotiations, where we’ve made our frustration clear over the Government’s insulting 3% wage offer,” said President Finn.
Key features of Budget 2025–26:
- An overall $36 million increase to the revised 2024-25 Police Budget
- An additional $20 million to support the rollout of the Police Resource Review - which the NTPA has yet to see any update or implementation progress on.
- A $3 million investment to continue the PFES Wellbeing Strategy.
- $6.6 million to expand the Peter McAulay Centre JESCC and CCTV Unit.
- $2 million to establish a dedicated police communications centre in Alice Springs.
The NTPA will be seeking clarity on what specific funding has been allocated to the Police Resource Review, and what deliverables are expected in the near future. This review was announced over 14 months ago, yet there has been no update on its progress or implementation.
“Once again, the Budget’s Infrastructure Program includes reannounced funding for the long-promised Maningrida Police Station - a commitment made to our members and the local community for years, with no delivery in sight," said President Finn.
“There is also mention of significant investment into remote police infrastructure and housing, which the NTPA will examine closely to ensure funds are directed where they are most urgently needed – after calling the Government out for its wasteful allocation of $60 million for unnecessary new stations in Beswick and Alpurrurulam, stations that will likely be unable to be adequately manned.
“Budget 2025–26 was pitched as a record law and order budget. The Government continues to talk up its spending, yet fails to invest in the most critical element - the men and women protecting the Territory.
“Infrastructure and technology investment may look good in media releases, but without adequate staffing, they do nothing to ease the crushing pressure on officers.
“This Government’s insulting 3% wage cap - coupled with the threat to remove police housing in Darwin - will see officers walk away from the job, placing the future of the NT Police Force and the community at serious risk.
