Crime is now at such an out of control level that major events are under threat out of fear for community safety, according to Shadow Minister for Major Events Joshua Burgoyne.
Alice Springs residents and businesses were again subjected to crime at unacceptable levels on the weekend, with locals believing the crime crisis may be behind the cancellation of the Masters Games.
Mr Burgoyne said cars were stolen and driven erratically around the CBD and businesses broken into over the weekend.
“What is the Labor Government doing to stop this?” Mr Burgoyne said.
“While Darwin has security services that drive around all night in golf buggies and dog patrols in Malak and Karama, Alice Springs has once again been forgotten.
“Alice Springs residents are at a loss as to whether the Masters Games is coming to town or not, and locals want to know if it has been cancelled because of the crime crisis or because the Fyles government can’t read a calendar.”
Earlier this year, locals were told the 2023 Alice Springs Masters Games would go ahead, but now they are not convinced.
“I now understand the Alice Springs Masters Games for 2023 will be cancelled,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“Natasha Fyles told the community this event would be going ahead in 2023 – is she about to break another promise?
“Is crime now so much of an issue that the Government is cancelling this event?
“The Fyles Labor government need to come clean. What is going to happen?
“Everyone knows the only reason the 2022 games didn’t go ahead is because Labor completely forgot about it, and to now learn 2023 is at risk is another kick in the guts Central Australians don’t need. “If the Fyles Labor government doesn’t care about Alice Springs, the least they can do is be honest with the community and let us all know what is happening with the 2023 Masters Games.”
ENDS