Mayor Matt Paterson tells Chief Minister Natasha Fyles crime in Alice Springs needs ‘quick action’

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson has told new Chief Minister Natasha Fyles her government needs to take ‘quick action’ against the crime surge in the town.

CHIEF MINISTER TALKS WITH ALICE SPRINGS MAYOR
ALICE Springs Mayor Matt Paterson told new Chief Minister Natasha Fyles her government needed to take quick action against crime, at a meeting on Thursday.

Mr Paterson said crime was thoroughly addressed during his first meeting with the new Chief Minister.

“We spoke about crime and anti-social behaviour as well as the effect that it’s having on the town,” he said.

“We need action quick and the Chief Minister acknowledged that there is a problem.

“We are certainly looking forward to continuing the relationship but also it was a big step for the council to have the Chief Minister, the Attorney-General, and the Police Minister all in the room at the same time.”

Ms Fyles admitted on Thursday that her government needs to “do more” to keep the community safe against property crime.

Mr Paterson also said Ms Fyles made a commitment to continuing to work with the Alice Springs Town Council as well as supporting measures that the council have suggested will combat crime.

“There was definitely a commitment to continuing to work together so I think that’s the first step,” he said.

“Some of the things that we’ve asked for, we found out were underway.

“I think that it’s certainly a step in the right direction working with the Northern Territory Government.”

The Chief Minister and the newly-minted Police Minister Kate Worden also visited Tennant Creek and Katherine during her tour of the Northern Territory.

CHIEF MINISTER VISITS ALICE SPRINGS:

NEW Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has admitted her government needs to “do more” to keep the community safe against property crime.

During her first visit to Alice Springs on Thursday since becoming Chief Minister, Ms Fyles said addressing the crime crisis in the Red Centre was a high priority.

“Community safety and property crime is a concern right across the Northern Territory,” she said.

“We have already got a number of measures in place but we need to do more work in this space.

“The purpose of my travel this week and the purpose of me being the Chief Minister is to listen to those ideas, listen to those tailored solutions and work with our hard working NT police and other government agencies to implement those ideas.”

Ms Fyles was in Alice Springs with the newly-minted Police Minister Kate Worden and Attorney-General Chansey Paech listening to the needs of locals and talking to key community representatives.

The Chief Minister and Ms Worden also visited Tennant Creek and Katherine.

“We’ve been out listening to the community, meeting with key stakeholders, agencies, ensuring that we’re listening and have tailored solutions for each part of the Northern Territory,” she said.

Ms Fyles met with Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson on Thursday before addressing the media and said it was productive and that the Alice Springs Town Council was an important part of the community. “It’s been fantastic right throughout regional Northern Territory and here in Central Australia with very positive meetings, listening to the community,” she said.

“As I said, we need to make sure that we’re out listening to the needs of our community so that we can have those tailored solutions.

“It’s not a one size fits all model in the Territory and it was great to meet not only the Mayor but staff as well as councillors of the Alice Springs Town Council.”

Ms Fyles said she also met with the Chamber of Commerce and was happy with the warm reception she received.

“I have been very warmly received and they are excited at the opportunity to engage and to share their ideas.

“Yes, they have concerns around community safety, around property crime but there is a willingness to work together for the benefit of our communities.”

NATASHA FYLES IN KATHERINE, TENNANT CREEK

EARLIER: NATASHA Fyles will speak with a group of Alice Springs locals on Thursday as part of her first tour of the Territory as Chief Minister.

The Member for Nightcliff became leader two weeks ago promising she would listen more to the everyday concerns of Territorians.

Ms Fyles will be joined by newly-minted Police Minister Kate Worden, who will both speak with key representatives and community leaders in the town.

Ms Fyles began a brief tour of the Territory this week, visiting Katherine and Tennant Creek to address safety issues in the communities, before heading to the Red Centre.

Ms Fyles said the meetings were to inform her of the concerns of Territorians.

“In my role as Chief Minister it is important to get out and listen to the people of the Territory and discuss with them any issues first-hand,” Ms Fyles said.

“From here we can work out the best way to lead and address some of the issues faced by people from across the Northern Territory.

“It is important for all Territorians to feel their voices are being heard, particularly in this early stage of my tenure as Chief Minister.”