10 June 2025
Talk tough on crime, abandon those who fight it. That’s the message NT Police are hearing loud and clear from the CLP Government following its latest shameful pay offer to officers - proving their promises were nothing more than political spin.
NTPA President Nathan Finn said this Government was elected on a law and order mandate. It leaned on police to deliver it, despite the force already being stretched to breaking point.
“But when it comes time to show up for police — with meaningful recognition and pay — the Chief Minister is nowhere to be seen.”
At today’s Estimates hearings, the Government is expected to repeat the same tired lines about reducing attrition, boosting resources, and strengthening laws. But the reality is far different.
“Our attrition rate is still the worst in the country, morale is rock bottom, and our officers are walking out the door. Police feel completely betrayed,” said President Finn.
“The Chief Minister continues to dodge any responsibility for the Consent Agreement negotiations, brushing off concerns as Public Service Minister Jo Hersey’s problem - a Minister who can barely articulate what’s even been put on the table for police when asked in Parliament.
“Meanwhile, our own Acting Police Commissioner is signing off on pay offers that fly in the face of his own public statements.”
In the June 2025 edition of Police News Magazine, Acting Commissioner Martin Dole said:
“If we want to stay competitive — and we must — then we need to make sure the Northern Territory Police Force remains an attractive and rewarding place to work. You deserve nothing less.”
Yet the offer now on the table is a 3.37% pay rise — far from the 4.9% rise NT Politicians received this year.
“Every insulting offer chips away further at trust and morale,” President Finn said.
“Members are now talking seriously about industrial action — and frankly, we don’t blame them.”
So today, we put a simple question to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Acting Commissioner Martin Dole:
Do you think this pay offer is fair and rewarding for NT Police?
Hint: It’s a YES or NO answer.
We’ll be watching.
ENDS
