CLP call for Select Committee into police retention ‘crisis’ rejected by Labor

The Opposition has called for a deep dive into why so many police officers in the NT are resigning, with fears inadequate resources in remote areas are to blame.

• Manison plays down concerns about soaring police attrition rates

PARLIAMENT has voted not to proceed with a sweeping parliamentary review into why so many police officers are calling the force quits.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro called for a select committee into police retention in parliament on Wednesday.

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Speaking to the NT News, Ms Finocchiaro said there had been 120 resignations or retirements in the last 12 months, including 22 in a single month.

“It is hitting crisis point,” she said.

“Our police are leaving the NT Police Force at an alarming rate.”

The CLP claimed 120 officers had left the NT Police Force in 12 months. Photograph: Che Chorley

Ms Finocchiaro said the select committee would look into distrust between police and government, as well as police resourcing and infrastructure.

“The reality is, we simply don’t know because there’s no rigour in understanding this issue,” she said.

“We can’t let attrition continue at this rate – something must be done.”

On Thursday the CLP claimed a 2020 survey by the NT Police Association found 87 per cent of police didn’t think the current government understood policing issues.

Police Minister Nicole Manison said she won’t support a motion put forward by the CLP to establish a select committee into police retention.

Speaking in NT parliament on Thursday, Ms Manison said the police “are incredible”.

“This government is backing them 100 per cent,” she said.

But Ms Manison said she wouldn’t support opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro’s motion, because the government “have got the information coming through each and every day” on how to improve the police service.

She called Ms Finocchiaro’s speech earlier in parliament “appalling”.

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