Federal government commits $15m to address the root cause of crime in Alice Springs

The federal government has partially fulfilled its $15m commitment to reduce crime and poverty in Alice Springs. Read how the money is being spent.

ALICE Springs is a divided town as the complexity of crime continues to taunt residents.

The federal government has announced $3m of the $15m promised during the federal election would be released to deliver preventative and early intervention programs targeted at youth, domestic violence and Aboriginal-led night patrols.

Alice Springs Town Council mayor Matt Paterson said the commitment was a “good start”, but further significant investments to address crime were desperately needed.

“What we need right now is accommodation. We need a combination of crisis accommodation for people who are suffering domestic violence ... I don’t think they’ve got anywhere to go or it’s been underutilised,” Mr Paterson said.

“We’ve seen an increased number of illegal campers in Alice; and they’re in town for a number of reasons but we’ve seen that number increase since the lapsing of the sunset clause (Stronger Futures Bill and liquor laws).”

Mr Paterson said some residents were scared to sleep at night as crime during winter reached unprecedented peaks.

“If you look at the crime stats, we’re getting 20 properties every night broken into which is far too many,” he said.

“It’s difficult for me to keep talking about it, but we need to be real and say there’s a problem here and we need to address the problem.”

The initial $3m was developed in partnership with NT government, Central Land Council and Alice Springs Town Council and will focus on promoting cultural and family healing to address the root causes of crime.

The funding will be shared among local Aboriginal Corporations that are already working in the community.

Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation will expand its current patrol activities and its Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group will deliver family and domestic violence support services.

Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjara (NPY) Women’s Council Aboriginal Corporation will be supported to similarly expand its support services.

Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation will build its current foot patrol pilot and expand its engagement with young men, to develop strategies with them to prevent violence and youth crime.

Today on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples I am lucky to be here in Mparntwe!

I was privileged to participate in a critical conversation about central Australian youth issues with the Hon Senator McCarthy and the Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour. pic.twitter.com/IoavLziBRt

— Nicole Hucks (@nicole_hucks) August 9, 2022

Last week Indigenous Affairs Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour met with a range of stakeholders who work every day to engage youth and reduce crime in the red centre.

“The resounding message that came out of the meeting was the need to stop kids from getting into trouble in the first place and empowering families to take control and ownership of the issues involving young Territorians,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Addressing the root causes of disengagement and crime is a huge priority for me...because reactive responses have clearly not worked adequately.”

Ms McCarthy said she wanted to also pursue new work opportunities in community by replacing the existing Community Development Program with real jobs.

“A proper jobs program will give a sense of hope and purpose to young people,” she said.