Property Council survey finds most business owners would not recommend NT to friends or family

A new crime survey has delivered devastating results on the impacts of crime on NT businesses. Read what it’s found.

A new crime survey has found most Territory business owners don’t feel safe.

The shocking results provide a snapshot on the toll crime is having on businesses across the Northern Territory and the people that run them.

The NT Property Council’s 18-question poll was launched on Thursday in response to soaring crime and a shared desire to find solutions to the crisis.

After just four-hours online, almost 100 Property Council members and other businesses had responded to the survey, with 61 per cent so far saying they do not feel safe in the Territory.

NT Property Council executive director Ruth Palmer said the business survey results reflect the devastating consequences of crime across the NT.

Property Council NT executive director Ruth Palmer has launched a new NT business crime survey. Picture: Supplied

“We know that property crime and vehicle theft is having a significant impact on businesses in the Northern Territory, not only that impact, but the toll it is taking on the lives of those that live here,” Ms Palmer said.

“We have heard first-hand from our members day-in and day-out the issues that they are experiencing as well as the anti-social behaviour. We know that costs have been incurred through repairs and security measures.

“The business community has had enough, people do not feel safe, and the behaviour is impacting heavily on our population growth and tourism markets.”

19/01/2023: Police operation in Alice Springs after NT Police Minister and NT Police Commissioner arrived to meet with locals following major escalation in crime spree. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian

The survey will remain open until Thursday March 2, but Ms Palmer said early results are “disturbing”.

Early results show 35 per cent of respondents had been spat on, 67 per cent had threats against them or their property and 78 per cent experienced public urination and defecation on their property.

As well, 76 per cent of respondents said crime and anti-social behaviour has impacted on commercial decisions to further invest in property or acquire new property or tenancy and that

71 per cent said their buildings or their tenants’ business have been commercially impacted due to public drinking and intoxication.

Most respondents said it is “unlikely” they would recommend the NT to friends, family or colleagues down south.

The Survey Monkey poll has been sent to one representative from each Property Council member business and non-member businesses who have received the link are also participating.

“Some of the comments we’ve had back say their staff have required counselling due to witnessing traumatising events,” Ms Palmer said.

Survey question 12 asks respondents what measures they believe the Northern Territory government should take to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We want this to be constructive and we will provide feedback to government when the results are finalised.”

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Crimeandantisocialbehavioursurvey.

The NT Chamber of Commerce has also been conducting a crime survey over the past six weeks, with results expected later this month.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles ignored the survey findings in her response to questions from the NT News, nor did she mention the Territory government’s decision not to introduce alcohol restrictions in remote communities when Stronger Futures’ lapsed last year, which many have blamed on the crime surge.

Ms Fyles defended her government’s approach to tackling alcohol-related crime and promised to continue to be “agile”.

“No government has done more to curb this issue,” she said.

“From risk based licensing to the Banned Drinkers Register, from the minimum floor price to our Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors, and with record funding for alcohol treatment services and domestic, family and sexual violence, we continue to invest heavily in this space.

“Police are currently conducting daily operations to combat anti-social behaviour across the Greater Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield areas. These operations form part of our Alcohol Policing Operations with the specific aim to target anti-social behaviour and minimise alcohol-fuelled violence, which includes secondary supply.

“Work is also underway to establish a Secondary Supply Reference Group which will have cross agency representation from Police, Territory Families, Housing and Communities and NT Health. This group will work with local governments and peak bodies to develop strategies around alcohol harm minimisation.

“The Territory Government is also investing $2 million into safer place across the Territory, including the Public Order Response Unit (PORU). The PORU is being trialled in Palmerston and the Northern Suburbs, and follows other private security patrols in Darwin’s CBD and inner suburbs. Alice Springs was the first location in the Territory to receive private security.”