The cracks are well and truly showing around Labor’s hands-off approach at controlling anti-social behaviour, which is now spilling into local sport.
Shadow Minister for Sport Jo Hersey said the Darwin Basketball Association’s plea to the government on ABC radio Darwin this morning was heartbreaking.
“People don’t willingly go to the media on these issues, but it is obviously at breaking point when people from the sport are making a desperate plea for the Fyles Labor government to wake up and do something,” she said.
“Kerri Savidge and the families who want to enjoy a night out at the basketball deserve to play and watch the game in peace.”
Mrs Hersey said the interview outlined how bored youths, who weren’t even interested in basketball, would congregate at the centre to engage in fighting, vandalism, and other unruly behaviour, making the night unsafe and unenjoyable for all.
“This government loves to get on its high horse and tell everyone about how good they are, but the reality is that grassroots of this sport is being tarnished by bored kids let down by failing government policies,” she said.
“We hope Natasha Fyles and her cabinet listen to the people who are being let down and are having their family friendly nights ruined by kids who are just looking for somewhere to cause trouble. “These community organisations have worked too hard for too long to be let down by the Fyles Labor government. Let’s hope things turn around soon before it’s too late.”
ENDS