Hero cop confirmed as Labor’s man in Blain

IN almost two decades of policing, Senior Constable Mark Turner has seen plenty of bluster from politicians weighing in on crime

Mark Turner, named as NT Labor's candidate for Blain. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

IN almost two decades of policing, Senior Constable Mark Turner has seen plenty of bluster from politicians weighing in on crime.

But Labor’s star recruit in Blain knows better than most what it takes to make a difference.

“I’ve seen lots of politicians doing sound bites (but) to make a people feel safe it’s more about actions than tough words,” he said.

Mr Turner, 36, hit the hustings on Monday and will face off against former CLP chief minister Terry Mills who is hoping to disrupt NT politics with his fledgling Territory Alliance party.

He acknowledged Mr Mills’ high profile would make him difficult to dislodge.

“It’s going to be a challenge. Terry has devoted most of his life to public service and I have an immense amount of respect for anyone who does that,” he said.

“I want to give people a choice and see if I can serve them in this role. If not then I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.”

A father of five, Mr Turner moved to Australia from the United Kingdom and joined the NT Police in 2013, first in Katherine before relocating to Palmerston where he works within the domestic and personal violence command and as a police negotiator.

Sen-Constable Turner and his colleague Sen-Constable Linda Farrand were given National Bravery Awards from the Police Federation of Australia last month.

The pair were honoured for their role in saving the life of a man threatening to jump off a cliff at the Darwin Esplanade in June.

And while social media and talkback lines are clogged with Palmerston residents furious at the Government’s response to a perceived youth crime crisis Mr Turner said he had encountered little anger while door knocking for Labor.

He said police statistics indicated crime was trending downward in Palmerston but acknowledged that was little comfort for victims. Like many in Palmerston, his family has also been targeted, with car and house keys stolen.

“It’s a deeply personal experience, being a victim of crime,” he said.

“I’m a big advocate of victim first and victim based policing. They’re the people who should be at the forefront of our minds.”