$14 million to support a community led response to rising crime in Alice Springs

The Hon. Scott Morrison MP

Prime Minister

The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development

Damien Ryan

CLP Candidate for Lingiari

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Sunday 24 April 2022

$14 MILLION TO SUPPORT A COMMUNITY LED RESPONSE TO RISING CRIME IN ALICE SPRINGS

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $14 million to support a community led response to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs, as well as more mental health and support services, following a request from the Alice Springs Town Council.

Crime is increasing in Alice Springs and as at 31 January this year, assaults had risen by almost 6 per cent in the previous 12 months, house break-ins were up more than 46 per cent, and commercial break-ins had increased by over 60 per cent.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that when Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson raised these issues with him on his visit to the Territory in February, he was determined to take action.

“Earlier this year I met with Mayor Matt Paterson and our CLP Candidate for Lingiari Damien Ryan and I heard first-hand about the challenges facing the Alice Springs community and I committed to providing a package of support that helps residents, businesses and community groups,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“We are backing in a community-led response to the challenges in Alice Springs, with more night patrols, youth training and early intervention, a new youth focused area of the library, mental health services and more CCTV.”

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said “The Liberals and Nationals are committed to growing the prosperity and standard of living in our regions. This funding will increase living standards and enable economic growth.”

CLP candidate for Lingiari Damien Ryan said “Crime and anti-social behaviour impact on our local community by undermining the confidence of our residents and businesses. This is why the community safety initiatives announced today by the Prime Minister are so important in positively addressing these issues in town.”

“Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his quick response to the request from the Alice Springs Town Council.”

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will provide a package of support to Alice Springs, including:

Fund more local support and training activities ($3.9 million)

• $1,176,750 to fund Tangentyere Council to deliver the Ngurra Palyapayi - Safety at Home project.
• $1,300,000 to Casse Australia Alice Springs to provide Youth Camps.
• $1,455,030 to Choice Australia Management to provide youth training and early intervention services.

Provide additional CCTV capability for Alice Springs ($600,000)

• $470,000 for Alice Springs Town Council in Traeger Park.
• $59,000 for Foodbank Alice Springs Food Hub.
• $50,000 for Alice Springs Steiner School.

Support more community patrols, more often ($4million)

• $2 million to the Tangentyere Council to expand its existing Night Patrol service.
• $2 million to the Alice Springs Town Council for the Traditional Owners Patrol.

Work with Alice Springs Town Council to develop more safe and secure places for young people ($2million)

• As part of the Alice Springs Town Council plan to regenerate the area, $2 million will be provided to the Alice Springs Town Council to invest in a new youth-focussed area for the public library.

Establish a mental health centre

• Residents of Alice Springs and surrounds will have easier access to mental health services with a new Head to Health adult mental health service in the area through a $3.4 million investment over 4 years.
• Head to Health satellite services, like the one being established in Alice Springs, are designed to provide a welcoming, stigma-free entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and support.
• The Alice Springs Head to Health satellite service is part of a network of community-based mental health.

Regional jobs

• Provide a boost to regional apprentices, with an additional 5 per cent wage subsidy in their first year. This will be on top of the 10 per cent support provided through the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System.
• Access to $22.6 million, announced in the 21-22 Budget, for more than 29,000 additional in-training support places, to ensure regional apprentices have the support they need.