Northern Territory Police Budget Reannounced

The Labor Government has again taken its place as the Kings of re-announcements. The pre-budget release in respect of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services budget contains little new news, according to Opposition Leader Jodeen Carney.

Last year the budget for Police, Fire and Emergency Services was almost $190 million. Taking into account inflation the announcement of $212 million today represents an increase of $16 million.

"When considering commitments already made through the EBA process and increasing attrition rates, there really isn't a lot of room for new projects,” Ms Carney said.

"The announcement of the $32 million for the 200 additional police was a promise made 5 years ago by Labor.

"Even if this Government is able to meet its 5 year old promise of 200 more police, the Minister remains silent about the number of officers being lost from the force, especially in the more experienced higher ranks.

The announcement also contained monies for Social Order Patrols. Apart from sounding particularly Orwellian, the offering of $630,000 is minimal when one considers that last year we saw 22,000 drunks picked up.

"Apart from paying for the meals for these 22,000 people and maybe a change of clothes, I am not sure what the Government thinks it is going to achieve with this announcement,” Ms Carney said.

"With $750 million in additional and unexpected GST revenue this Government has had a real opportunity to do something substantial about the law and order and antisocial behaviour issues in the Territory, and they have again failed to do so.

"Considering the increasing rates of crimes of violence, one would have expected something substantial from the Minister, but we are still waiting.

"It looks more like a fireworks display than anything of substance,” Ms Carney said.

2006-04-27