MLA’s Robyn Lambley, Chansey Paech call for crime action amid plea for federal help
Alice Springs leaders on both sides of politics have raised controversial ideas to combat another crime crisis, while pressure mounts on the federal government to act.
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Alice Springs leaders of all political stripes have put forward bold ideas on defending their community against crime.
Attorney-General Chansey Paech has agreed “more needs to be done” while Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley has joined calls for an emergency federal response.
It comes as Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson met with federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney on Thursday to discuss an urgent commonwealth response to community safety.
Mr Paech has flagged a possible trial of shatter-proof glass and automatic traffic bollards in the CBD among other efforts on justice reform.
“We are hurting – everyone in our community is,” the Justice Minister said.
“We are always listening to and talking with the community about realistic ideas and solutions.
“And I agree – more needs to be done.
“Not just by government but all Centralians, our representatives, our community leaders, all levels of government.”
The Gwoja MLA pointed to the establishment of a Central Australia justice reinvestment initiative with Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour.
The Maranguka justice reinvestment program in Bourke, NSW redirects police funding to projects that aim to prevent offending behaviour.
“Local delegates will travel to Bourke to learn from their model,” he said.
“We’ll then work to action this in Central Australia as part of our efforts to address crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Mr Paech also said the government was considering a trial of polycarbonate clear sheeting in place of glass, along with other environmental designs to protect Alice Springs’ amenities.
“For example, automatic bollards that come into effect on certain streets at certain times,” he said.
“This will restrict access to motor vehicles in certain areas of the CBD at night – creating safer pedestrian access.”
It comes after Ms Lambley wrote an open letter to Mr Paech, along with Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and Police Minister Kate Worden pleading for an emergency response.
“Law and order is continuing to seriously deteriorate in Alice Springs,” she said.
“Over the past few weeks there have been multiple reports of violent incidents – I suspect many of which are not being reported to the police.
“Alice Springs people have had enough.
“I urge you to treat our worsening crime crisis as a top priority for your government.”
Ms Worden travelled to Alice Springs on Thursday to meet with members of the Social Order Response Team (SORT).
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