Eva Lawler encourages Mayor Vatskalis to continue private security funding

Eva Lawler has called on Darwin’s Mayor to reinstate funding for private security patrols in the CBD, while the Opposition argues ultimate responsibility lies with the government.

The Chief Minister has asked Darwin Mayor Kon Vatskalis to reconsider scrapping funding for private security in the city’s CBD.

The government spends about $4m each year on private security across the NT, while Darwin City Council in previous years has contributed $400,000 to help fund private guards in retail centres.

In its draft budget released last week, the council did not allocate any funding for city security patrols.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler has spoken with City of Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis, encouraging the funding to be reinstated. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Eva Lawler called Mr Vatskalis in an attempt to encourage him to reverse the decision.

She said investing in private security was a “common sense” approach to lower crime and improve community safety.

“Darwin City Council can explain their own decisions to the community but I won’t apologise for investing in common sense strategies to lower crime and improve safety,” Ms Lawler said.

“My government is also investing an extra $570m in the Northern Territory Police Force – this means recruiting 200 more police officers, 25 more call takers and CCTV operators, and better infrastructure for our police.

“We will continue to invest in private security because we know it works, and you will see these investments in the upcoming budget.”

Darwin City Retailers Association Molly Upstill said private security guards were hugely effective in the CBD.

Darwin City Retailers Association said private guards were “hugely effective” in moving on anti-social behaviour.

“They give peace of mind to our retailers who are often subject to verbal and physical abuse,” general manager Molly Upstill said.

“The Association remains supportive of security in the mall and surrounding areas.

“Wherever police are unable to be patrolling on foot, security is the next best option and should be a priority for government and council, especially as Darwin heads into the tourist season.”

Darwin Council has previously contributed $400,000 a year to private security. No byline thanks in advance.

Darwin City Council said it had invested $2.1m in total toward private security patrols, which was only ever meant to be a temporary measure.

“City of Darwin’s financial contribution to the private security patrols was always intended as a temporary measure to support the NT government while they established long-term strategies for enhancing public safety in the Darwin city centre,” a spokeswoman said.

“The NT government manages the contract with the private security patrols and therefore determines whether the program continues or not. City of Darwin provided funding to support the program but has no determination into whether the contract continues.

“Policing and crime fall under the NT Government, we work collaboratively to support them but ultimately, it’s their remit rather than ours.

“We spend more than $2.5m a year creating a safer Darwin and we have invested in significant CCTV infrastructure that the NT Police utilise daily.

“Council will consider all feedback received as part of the engagement process.”

Shadow Business Minister Marie-Clare Boothby called on the government to work with council to find a solution.

She said while businesses needed to feel supported by both council and government, it was the government that ultimately held responsibility for social order.

“They need to solve this, businesses in the Territory, and customers and Territorians who like to walk around our CBD need to feel safe, and they certainly don’t feel safe now,” Ms Boothby said.

“Private security is an absolute necessity for Territorians right now and they do need to be funded.”