Lambley insists Manison ’must go’ for inaction over Alice Springs crime

Police Minister Nicole Manison must resign or be sacked for her ‘dismissive’ response to Alice Springs’ escalating crime problem, says an independent MLA.

POLICE Minister Nicole Manison must resign or be sacked for her “dismissive” response to Alice Springs’ escalating crime problem, says independent MLA Robyn Lambley.

Ms Lambley, the member for Araluen, said the NT government had for years failed to take action in the town, leaving locals in agreement that crime is out of control.

The situation came to a head last Thursday when Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson wrote a letter to Territory and federal politicians pleading for help to restore order to the town, where he says residents are living in constant fear.

Ms Lambley said the Police Minister’s visit to Alice Springs earlier in the week offered “no new strategies or assistance going forward”.

“She rejected Alice Springs was facing a ‘crisis’ and rejected the need for federal government intervention,” Ms Lambley said.

“Whilst Nicole Manison can get on a plane and scuttle back to Darwin after a few hours in Alice Springs, the people of Alice Springs are left to deal with her lack of action and ability to address the deterioration of our community.

MLA Robyn Lambley says Police Minister Nicole Manison must resign or be sacked for her response to Alice Springs’ crime spike.

“There is just one solution, Nicole Manison must go. And if she won’t step down as Police Minister, Gunner needs to sack her,” said the member for Araluen.

“Alice Springs deserves better. The Northern Territory deserves better.”

While meeting with Mr Paterson on Tuesday, Ms Manison said there was “no silver bullet” to fixing crime in the Northern Territory.

“I believe the best strategies are always local strategies,” Ms Manison said.

“I think the best decisions are the ones that are made from Alice Springs about what Alice Springs needs.

“We have very high levels of disadvantage and with that often comes the complexities of crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Ms Manison said there were 17 additional police officers arriving this month, which would increase public confidence and restore some feeling of safety to the community.

Mr Paterson said one hour after sending out the letter Deputy Police Commissioner Michael Murphy called a meeting, which resulted in “quite positive” discussions.