CM Natasha Fyles apologises to NT Police over insulting radio comments

The NT Police Association was ‘insulted’ when the Chief Minister said she asked them to ‘step up’ in a radio interview. Here’s how the organisation responded.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said the Chief Minister’s comments about the NT Police needing to ‘step’ were insulting. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has apologised to the NT Police Association after she asked the force to “step up”.

Ms Fyles, in an interview with radio personality Katie Woolf on Monday, said police had “been asked to step up”.

“I have contacted the Police Commissioner to say I expect every resource to be placed in Alice Springs to support that community right now,” she told Ms Woolf.

The NT Police Association said Ms Fyles’ statement “insulted every member of the NT Police force, from the top down”.

“Our members are fed up with hearing these careless statements, as they continue to carry the impact of legislative changes from failed government planning and policy,” they said in a Facebook post on Monday.

“Our message to the NT Government is: ENOUGH.

“Stop expecting our members to be responsible for cleaning up your mess.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles apologised for her comments about the NT Police. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ms Fyles on Tuesday issued her own Facebook statement to apologise for the “unintended harm” caused by her comments.

“Territory Police are the best in the nation,” she wrote.

“They are a constant presence who focus on protecting us and responding in our time of need.

“Thank you for all that you do.”

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