Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Five Northern Territory locations to get permanent policing

Joint Media Release with:

  • Paul Henderson MLA, NT Chief Minister
    Warren Snowdon MLA, Member for Lingiari

Five new, permanent police stations will be built in Northern Territory priority locations under an agreement between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments.

The Australian Government has allocated more than $50 million over three years to the Northern Territory Government to build the stations in Gapuwiyak, Ramingining, Yarralin, Arlparra and Imanpa.

The locations were selected on the advice of the Northern Territory Police Commissioner.

The Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and the Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the new police stations would strengthen the police presence across the Northern Territory.

‘Having police on the beat is essential to keep people safe. Permanent police stations mean everyone – men, women and children – can feel safe and secure in their communities,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘Community safety and policing is central to the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening the Northern Territory Emergency Response.

‘Currently there are 66 additional police in 23 remote communities, including nine Australian Federal Police officers in the child abuse taskforce and 72 active night patrols. In November 2007, there were 38 new police deployed in 10 communities and around one third had night patrols.’

Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson welcomed the ongoing support from the Federal Government.

‘Having a permanent police presence will give these communities improved community safety that will lead to benefits across all areas of their lives,’ Mr Henderson said.

‘It also means police can become part of the community and build relationships with local people.

‘My Government is committed to providing these new permanent police stations with ongoing funding for staff and operational costs.

‘We have also agreed with the Australian Government to commission an independent review of police resourcing levels in remote communities.’

Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon said the Australian Government had allocated more than $156.58 million for remote policing and substance abuse over three years in the Northern Territory.