Alice Springs Town Council: Letter from federal minister Linda Burney leaves a sour taste

A letter from Federal minister Linda Burney chiding a Red Centre council for not installing crime-busting upgrades ahead of summer has gone down like a lead balloon, but the mayor has struck a conciliatory tone.

The fulfilment of a $2.8m Commonwealth grant to Alice Springs Town Council has caused tension between Mayor Matt Paterson and federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. Picture: File

A letter from a federal minister chiding Alice Springs Town Council for not implementing $2.8m of safety upgrades in advance of a new action plan to tackle crime has raised eyebrows, with a councillor and the CEO questioning the letter’s “tone” at a recent meeting.

The November 30 letter from Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney was considered at council’s ordinary meeting of December 12 last year.

In it, Ms Burney expressed disappointment that the crime-busting measures targeting black spots were not in place before the Summer in Central Australia Action Plan commenced in October.

“It is essential that all funded elements of the Summer Plan, and all aspects of the broader commitments under the [Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan] are delivered fully and on time,” she wrote.

“The Australian government has provided $2.8 million funding for the Alice Springs Town Council to improve CCTV, lighting and safety measures within Alice Springs, which was announced in January 2023.

“Noting the Summer in Central Australia Action Plan commenced last month [October], I ask that you ensure that these works are delivered as quickly as possible to assist in mitigating anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs this summer.”

Alice Springs has been gripped in a crime wave since the summer of 2022–23, which has garnered national attention. Picture: Facebook

The letter went down like a lead balloon, with Councillor Marli Banks and chief executive Andrew Wilsmore referencing its accusatory “tone”.

“It’s a little bit unfortunate some of the tone and the language in this because … it does infer that we’re behind the ball,” Mr Wilsmore said.

“The actual truth is even though decisions were made at a certain time … the funding agreements and the commitments that sat behind those did not get released at that time.

“It took a lot of negotiation, a lot of discussion and we were literally signing the last of the paperwork … away last week.

“We’ve certainly made all of our deadlines and there’s been a lot of waiting for the Commonwealth to do their side of it in order for us to complete.”

Alice Springs has been gripped in a crime wave since the summer of 2022–23, which has garnered national attention. Picture: Facebook

It’s understood that, under the terms of the funding agreement, works are due to be complete by April 30, 2024.

Council has now requested an extension, being considered by the Commonwealth.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson struck a conciliatory tone.

“We’re grateful for the $2.8m, we asked for it,” he told the NT News.

“We probably didn’t start from our end as quickly as it probably should have, but getting contractors … it’s to be expected,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for Canberra to understand the challenges we face delivering programs on time and under budget.

“We’re rolling it out as quickly as we can.”

The “majority” of the safety upgrades are yet to begin, Mr Paterson said.

Ms Burney said she remained committed to collaboration between all partners in the plan.

“We are working together to address the challenges in Central Australia and ensure the significant Commonwealth funding provided is rolled out as quickly as possible, while also ensuring initiatives are community-led and driven,” she said.

Alice Springs has been in the grips of a crime wave since last summer, which prompted a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the creation of the summer action plan.