Paul Arnold won NT government tourism grant after being issued DVO

Paul Arnold was awarded a $100,000 government grant to expand his business several weeks after he was issued a domestic violence order, it can be revealed.

NT landscape photographer Paul Arnold has been charged several domestic violence offences and is currently in custody. Picture: Keri Megelus

The Territory government awarded Paul Arnold a $100,000 grant to expand his Smith St gallery several weeks after he was issued a domestic violence order, it can be revealed.

The prominent Darwin artist and photographer fronted court on Wednesday charged with multiple domestic violence offences, including several counts of breaking a domestic violence order.

He previously appeared in court on April 28 where he was issued the DVO.

An announcement was made on May 18 revealing Tourism NT were awarding Paul Arnold Bush Photos $100,000 to upgrade the Smith St gallery.

His business was one of 11 out of 25 awarded to receive the full $100,000 Visitor Enhancement Experience Program grant.

The funding was to cover “a main feature element, new signage, windows, lighting, display units and kitchenette”.

The 51-year-old was arrested on Tuesday at his CBD business and kept in custody that night.

He has been charged with four counts of damage to property, seven counts of aggravated assault, depriving a person of personal liberty and stalking, as well as three counts of breaking a domestic violence order.

Mr Arnold was remanded in custody and is due to appear again in court on Monday.

He is yet to enter a plea.

A NT government spokeswoman said VEEP grants had “a number of terms and conditions attached to them” which included at least a matched cash co-contribution from the recipient and Buy Local requirements.

“As part of the process, the department conducts stringent checks in the business capability to complete the project,” she said.

“The department has a standard timeframe for its grant payments, which is 50 per cent paid on execution of a funding agreement and 50 per cent on successful acquittal of the project.

“The company, Paul Arnold Bush Photos, has been paid 50 per cent of the funding agreement.

“The project is due for completion by June 30, 2023, if the project is not completed the remainder of the funding agreement will not be paid.”