Leader of the Opposition – Lia Finocchiaro MLA
The CLP will deliver more police on Territory streets through a new Police Retention Bonus that will keep experienced Territory cops in the Territory for longer.
As part of the $3 million program, a lump sum Retention Bonus will be given to all police officers who reach 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 year milestones next year.[1]
A $10,000 bonus will be given to those who dedicated 10 years’ service, $15,000 for those who have served 15 years and $20,000 for those who celebrate 20, 25 and 30 year milestones. [1]
The Retention Bonus package is expected to benefit more than 120 officers.
“Only the CLP is backing our police force,” said Leader of the Opposition Lia Finocchiaro.
“Since January this year alone, 80 officers have resigned or retired, taking a staggering 700 years of experience with them.
“This loss of experienced officers has a serious ripple effect throughout the entire force – it means less police, less mentors, less resources and longer wait times for victims of crime. .
“This initiative will stem the drain of our best and most experienced police leaving the Territory and provide an incentive for officers to put down roots in the NT for a long career in the police force.
“It will provide an immediate boost to the number of experienced Territory Police on our streets and keep our community safe.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said the CLP was committed to increasing police recruitment but the new Police Retention Bonus would boost police numbers while recruitment was underway.
“The best thing we can do to put more police on our streets immediately is give our existing, experienced police officers more reasons to stay in the force,” she said.
According to the Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) the Northern Territory has the highest attrition rate in Australia and New Zealand with the attrition rate for the 9 months to 31 March 2024 sitting at 9.4%.
The Police Retention Bonus will run for initial trial period of 12 months and will be on top of ongoing Police Recruitment initiatives.
ENDS.
[1] And for all five year increments after that.