Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says the Gunner Labor Government has lost all control over its crime emergency and Territorians deserve a leader who will fulfil their number one duty: to keep the community safe.
“According to the latest NT crime statistics, year on year to the end of January, close to 23,000 Territorians were the victim of property crime, that’s nearly 10 percent of the Territory’s population.
“In the same reporting period, more than 10,000 people were the victim of assault, domestic and family violence, alcohol-related assault and sexual violence, Territory-wide. That’s more than 27 victims every single day.
“The rates of violent crime are unacceptably high and Territorians are being brutalised and victimised at unsustainable levels. What this crime data shows, is a systemic failure in policy when it comes to education, addressing alcohol abuse, health, failing to properly resource our police, as well as housing.
“Property crime in Central Australia and the Barkly is particularly alarming. House break-ins are up 46% percent in Alice Springs and a staggering 81% in Tennant Creek. You’re eight times more likely to have your home broken into as a resident of Tennant Creek, than in Darwin – and five times more likely if you live in Alice Springs.
“The Gunner Government should be ashamed that over the past 12 months, across the Territory, Labor has overseen more than 8,750 assault victims, more than 5,520 victims of family and domestic violence, and more than 4,280 victims have been impacted by alcohol-related assault.
“The devastating toll Labor’s crime crisis is having on Territorians’ safety, wellbeing, finances, and ability to operate a business – is profound.
“The CLP has a plan to address these policy failures, and it starts with putting the rights of victims above the rights of offenders. “The CLP calls on the Gunner Government to immediately recognise there is a crime crisis and outline its short, medium and long-term plans to address it,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
ENDS