NTPA emphatically rejects wages offer, calls out government on housing
The NTPA has labelled the latest offer from the NT government as a ‘slap in the face’, claiming they have been ‘ambushed’ by the removal of a key entitlement.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory Police Association has emphatically rejected the latest wages and conditions offer from the NT Government, after housing provisions for Darwin-based officers were quietly removed from the deal.
NTPA president Nathan Finn described the offer as “a slap in the face to every police officer in the Northern Territory” as the force battles a crime crisis.
“I’m absolutely appalled,” Mr Finn said.
“The government’s offer demonstrates a blatant disregard for the sacrifices made by our members every single day.”
The $95m, four-year offer includes a 3 per cent salary increase per year, a $6500 retention bonus and “better overtime and higher duties conditions”, according to the consent agreement sent out to members on Monday.
A disputed chart attached to the offer states “NT Police salaries remain among the highest nationally”.
Police officers are yet to vote on the formal offer, with negotiations meant to be concluding on Wednesday.
Mr Finn said the “insulting offer” was not enough to recruit and retain police.
“For months, we’ve been negotiating in good faith for a wages package that supports recruitment and retention,” Mr Finn said.
“What we’ve received instead is a document that insults the intelligence and commitment of our members.”
The latest offer removed housing provisions for Darwin-based officers in a move the NTPA claims “ambushed” them.
“We feel completely ambushed by the government’s sudden announcement to strip police housing in Darwin,” Mr Finn said.
“Our members are outraged and feel completely betrayed, especially after assurances that housing would never be part of our consent agreement negotiations.
“Police housing is not up for negotiation.
Mr Finn referred to a letter signed by the then Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro on August 16, 2024, which stated her support for housing entitlement discussions to remain separate from consent agreement negotiations.
Public Services Minister Jo Hersey said the offer was “fair and responsible”.
“As Minister for Public Employment, I’m committed to maintaining a skilled, professional public service with wages that are affordable for Territorians,” Ms Hersey said.
“The negotiations with police have resulted in a continuation of above inflation pay increases and represents a fair and highly competitive package.”
Opposition leader Selena Uibo accused the government of not supporting Territory police when the public needed them most.
“The CLP government claims to offer police unconditional support, but clearly, that support comes with many conditions — including taking housing away from officers,” Ms Uibo said.
“At a time when police are under more pressure than ever — following the senseless Nightcliff tragedy and amid rising crime rates — it is irrational to tie our frontline to the lowest pay agreement possible.”
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