AFP officers’ NT exit may put strain on Territory border controls

AUSTRALIAN Federal Police enforcing border controls in the Northern Territory could be moved out as coronavirus restrictions start to ease

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has told a Senate Inquiry he was looking at plans to withdraw AFP members in the Territory as restrictions ease over the coming months. Picture: Lukas Coch

AUSTRALIAN Federal Police enforcing border controls in the Northern Territory could be moved out as coronavirus restrictions start to ease over the coming months.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has told a Senate Inquiry he was looking at plans to withdraw AFP members in the Territory as restrictions ease over the coming months.

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However, an NT Police spokesman said it was expected the AFP would remain in the Territory for the “foreseeable future”.

About 100 AFP police were deployed to the Territory last month to assist with border control and biosecurity checkpoints throughout the NT.

An AFP spokesman said they would continue to support the NT Police presence at external borders as required.

“The AFP’s deployment strength is being continually assessed in line with the request for assistance from NT Police and any changes in the current environment,” the spokesman said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the NT’s borders would be the last thing to reopen.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said he was worried about the pressure AFP’s withdrawal might have on local police.

“If AFP members were removed prior to the lifting of border restrictions, the NTPA would certainly hold concerns for the capacity of our members to undertake the role,” Mr McCue said.

“They are already stretched and working 12-hour shifts to ensure our borders, and people of the Northern Territory, are protected 24/7.

“We would expect Commissioner Jamie Chalker and the Chief Minister to be in constant discussions with AFP Commissioner Kershaw to ensure adequate notice is given to our members and appropriate staffing and resourcing is secured before the withdrawal of AFP assistance.”

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The NT Police spokesman said they were “extremely grateful” for the AFP’s support during this pandemic.

“The AFP has a Commander in place at the Emergency Operations Centre working with the Incident Controllers,” the spokesman said.

“While internal restrictions within the NT are being eased as part of the Government’s road map to a new normal, the presence of NT Police and its partners on the external borders will remain for the foreseeable future.”