VIOLENCE IN ALICE SPRINGS NOT A PARTISAN ISSUE

Senator Nampijinpa Price is calling for the Albanese government to step up and work collaboratively in the wake of a spike in violent crime in Alice Springs.

Reports this month include an assault of a two-month old baby who suffered a fractured skull, as well as reports of a 29-year old being raped while she slept – both instances occurring while the victims were in their homes.

Senator Nampijinpa Price praised the actions of the Northern Territory Government and said she was pleased to see bolstered police resources including increased patrolling and targeted apprehension of those with outstanding warrants.

“The new Northern Territory government has shown the kind of leadership that is required to deal with the spiralling crime problem they inherited from years of Labor rule,” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

Senator Nampijinpa Price was also noted recent figures released by the NIAA showing that the Albanese Labor government has now spent close to $350 million in an attempt to address the issues in Central Australia.

“When $350 million isn’t enough to improve the situation, and you have people feeling more fearful than ever in their own homes, the Albanese government must realise that money is not the solution to the crisis in Central Australia.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price noted a variety of requests for assistance from Northern Territory government to the Albanese Labor government.

“This is not a partisan issue – it is fast becoming an issue of life and death. The Albanese government must put aside it’s partisan ideologies and work collaboratively with the Northern Territory government to approve these requests.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price noted the Northern Territory government’s request for a performance audit of federally funded programs in Central Australia.

“I have long called for an audit of the Albanese Labor government’s reckless spending including the funding of Aboriginal organisations that may not be producing outcomes.”

“The Albanese government has opposed my attempts time after time, but this crisis demands that they stop playing political games and start doing what is in the best interests of us here in Central Australia.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price also criticised the previous government’s approach to crime, saying it sent a message that people could get away with this kind of anti-social, criminal behaviour.

Senator Nampijinpa Price particularly noted reports that the two youths responsible for the reported assault of the two-month old baby had been charged with approximately 300 offences and bailed 35 times collectively before allegedly committing this attack.

“It is clear that a stronger message must be sent to the community,” she said.

“The requests made by the Northern Territory government such as compulsory income management for parents of youth offenders, and compulsory work or training requirements with regular reporting to receive benefits will be crucial to sending that message and cleaning up the mess of the previous government.”

“If the Albanese Labor government refuses to co-operate and approve these requests, they risk being responsible for the consequences that everyone living here knows are the tragic but inevitable end of this kind of violence,” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

[ENDS]

Contact: Rebekah Hart – 0459 893 181