A history of policy failure demands a rethink from all key stakeholders

Darwin’s Lord Mayor is correct! It’s time to do something about itinerancy to help the Territory re-build and recover after Covid, writes RUTH PALMER.

THE Property Council of Australia agrees with the Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis that it is time to act on the itinerant problem plaguing the CBD.

The Property Council also believes that it is time for a new way of thinking to address the worsening itinerant problem.

This problem is not only affecting businesses and tourism, but it is also affecting the Territorians who have chosen to live here.

For our capital city to function as a thriving hub and to also survive the economic downturn we are currently experiencing, we need this problem addressed.

Property Council NT executive director Ruth Palmer says it’s time to to act on the itenerant problem plaguing the CBD. Picture: Supplied.

This is not just a localised problem, sadly we are seeing anti-social behaviour across the Top End and in the Red Centre.

Everyone must acknowledge that anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime cannot continue. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their environment, whether it is to live, work or play.

We have no doubt that the Return to Country Program is clearly part of the solution and should continue, however, the other existing policies to date on this problem have failed.

Now is the time for the NT Government, City of Darwin, Larrakia Nation and NGOs to urgently and collectively work together, we simply can’t continue with the same policies.

This is a complex social problem. Every homeless person on our streets needs support, and that support needs to be provided at the earliest opportunity.

We need a controlled and safe environment where people can get support.

The appropriate location for these vulnerable people is clearly not in a dense urban environment where easy access to alcohol is only metres away.

This environment further encourages anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime with temptations in arms reach for these people.

We encourage all parties to work together and to come up with an appropriate solution that can be implemented in the short term that provides long term benefits for everyone.

We ask that the NT Government takes leadership of this issue and ensures that immediate action is taken that results in a suitable and satisfactory outcome as soon as possible.

Ruth Palmer is the director of the NT Property Council