CLP government talks tough on crime, abandons those who fight it

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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.

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.

The Chief Minister [is] 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."

Yet the offer now on the table is a 3.37% pay rise — far from the 4.9% rise NT Politicians received this year.

Members are now talking seriously about industrial action — and frankly, we don't blame them."

Nathan Finn, NT Police Association president.