NT Government In Denial On Alice Springs Lawlessness

"The Martin Government remains in denial about the lawlessness on the streets of Alice Springs and it's no longer acceptable, says Fay Miller, Shadow Minister for Tourism.

"I could hardly believe my ears when the Chief Minister told Today Tonight, in a story about the law and order crisis in Alice, that the town 'isn't a dangerous place'.

"As a regular visitor to Alice Springs I know that's wrong because I've seen the problems first hand.

"Equally the ordinary people of the town express their despair as to what is happening to their town.

"Many of my contacts are Alice Springs from the tips of their hats to the souls of their boots and they aren't pone to exaggeration.

"I suspect the Chief Minister was trying to down play the problems in the town so as to protect it tourism industry.

"Denying the truth will do nothing for the long term viability of Alice Springs.

"Far better to admit the problem, vow to fix it and set about doing just that.

"My views are also informed by the history of my own town – Katherine.

"Unfortunately, it took a similar current affairs expose on Katherine for many people to begin to acknowledge that the situation had got out of hand.

"It's a simple fact that until a complex problem is fully acknowledged it cannot be solved.

"Rather than attacking the messenger, the Government has to start listening to the people.

"More police, mounted police and real time CCTV monitoring are urgently required to begin to stabilise the situation.”

2007-05-02