Katherine: CLP issues direction to enhance liquor inspector rotation

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has revealed a stronger presence of liquor officers will operate in Katherine, as part of a broader effort to curb anti-social behaviour in the Top End town.

NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby and Member for Katherine Jo Hersey front the media in Darwin.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has revealed she has directed the public servants to ensure a stronger presence of liquor officers are operating in Katherine, as part of a broader effort to curb anti-social behaviour in the Top End town.

The direction comes as authorities try to tackle crime in the region, with Operation Oxley, launched in December, having accounted for 199 arrests already.

While Operation Oxley targets property crime and anti-social behaviour in particular, the campaign has focused on road-related violations, with more than 240 traffic apprehensions and at least 70 traffic infringements also issued.

The government has set a new objective to enhance the presence of liquor inspectors. (AAP Image/Gregory Roberts).

However, a new task will be added to authorities’ to-do list in Katherine, after Ms Boothby met with locals to discuss possible extra measures.

“One of the things that was identified quickly during that visit was the fact that Catherine was short liquor inspectors during a busy period,” she said.

“I came back to Darwin and instructed the Department of Licensing to have a rotational system from Darwin for liquor inspectors while they recruit for that important role.

“Liquor inspectors are part of a broader range of what the community can do to keep our community safe and address alcohol related harm.”

The decision was made following Mr Boothby’s visit to Katherine.

Member for Katherine Jo Hersey said she had been “banging on the door” for extra support “for years” and welcomed the announcement.

As for Operation Oxley’s progress, Ms Hersey said her town had been supported by at least five police officers.

“I know that our police work hard each and every day, and have been under resourced for a long time, so the extra support of extra policing Katherine, which through Operation Oxley, has been great,” she said.

Originally published as Katherine: CLP issues direction to enhance liquor inspector rotation