‘Tackle the real issues’, Police Association tells politicians

Claims of foul play have drawn the ire of the president of the NT Police Association, who says ‘political games’ need to end.

The time for political games is over, the Northern Territory Police Association has declared amid claims Country Liberal Party members have been denied from visiting police stations.

In a statement last week, opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said herself and Shadow Attorney-General Steve Edgington were deliberately blocked from Tennant Creek police station which indicated “a blatant disregard for transparency and dialogue”.

“It’s disheartening to see these politically motivated actions continue,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“Unlike Labor we are out every day listening to those on the ground, and hearing from our Police Force directly on what they are facing is incredibly important for the Territory.

Northern Territory Police Association president Nathan Finn wants both sides of politics to come together and “tackle the real issues”. Picture: Nathaniel Chambers

“It also gives my CLP team a chance to thank Police for the work that they do to keep Territorians safe.”

The CLP claimed its members had been denied visiting police stations on four separate occasions since 2022 – twice in Tennant Creek and Borroloola.

In a statement to NT News, Minister for Police Brent Potter rejected the claim.

“The two CLP members were never blocked from the Tennant Creek Police Station,” he said.

“Rather, they were asked to reschedule as two days’ notice is not enough for our hard working front line officers to take time away from their busy jobs for a photoshoot.”

Mr Potter commended the Territory police as “the best in the nation”.

“Our Police officers, staff and all emergency services are the best in the nation and do an incredible job keeping the community safe, I would like to personally thank them for all their hard work each and every day.”

The NTPA told this masthead that the association’s president, Nathan Finn, recommended access for the government and the opposition to visit police workplaces to ensure officers are “heard clear”.

“Time for political games is over, both the government and the opposition need to work hard to repair the critical resources and infrastructure issues faced by (Territory Police),” the statement said.

“NT Police is facing the biggest demand for service in its history, along with crime rates which are at unprecedented levels.”

The NTPA maintained the “thin blue line” needed greater government support.

“It is no secret that NT Police hasn’t enough members to meet demand, which is placing the community at risk each and every day,” the statement said.

“Tackle the real issues and stop playing politics and support our members.

“The government needs to resource the NT Police appropriately now, before the thin blue line breaks.”

Originally published as ‘Tackle the real issues’, Police Association tells politicians