Alice Springs council votes to support possible town curfew to combat crime problems

THE Alice Springs Town Council has unanimously voted to call on the government to take further steps to address the town’s crime problems, including implementing a possible curfew

Councillor Eli Melky said crime in Alice Springs had reached concerning new levels. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

THE Alice Springs Town Council has unanimously voted to call on the government to take further steps to address the town’s crime problems, including implementing a possible curfew.

Council members present at Tuesday night’s meeting voted to call on the NT Government to bring in additional measures to address anti-social behaviour and crime in the town, which may include a curfew, increasing use of drones and safe place options.

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Councillor Eli Melky, who introduced the motion, said this was the first time in about 10 years that council have voted in favour of a possible curfew.

“This was the sixth attempt of a motion I’ve made to look at a curfew and the past five attempts have all failed,” he said.

“I think the issues of crime in Alice Springs have now escalated to a point where we can’t ignore this.

“We actually had young people running on the roof and banging on the doors of the chamber while we voted on this.”

Councillor Melky said the ball was now in the NT Government’s court, to consider enacting a curfew.

Territory Families Minister Kate Worden says she’s opposed to bringing in an Alice Springs town curfew. Photo: Che Chorley

“We didn’t get into the details of what kind of curfew it could be because we’re not going to get into the micromanagement of government,” he said.

“It’s now up to them to make the call and do their jobs.”

Member for Araluen Robyn Lambley said while she thought the council vote was a “monumental” step forward in the push for a curfew, she didn’t think the Gunner Government would change their opposition to the idea.

Territory Families Minister Kate Worden said she opposed to bringing in a town curfew.

“A youth curfew will not work and is not supported by police,” she said.

“We know that there are still issues, and anyone who tells you there is some silver bullet solution to tackling crime is lying to you. This takes hard work.

“It is also why we are trialling the 24 hour Youth Drop-in Centre – keeping young people engaged and off the streets.”

CLP members for Braitling and Namatjira, Joshua Burgoyne and Bill Yan, both said they were open to considering a possible curfew.

“I have always said I support community-led solutions to addressing our town’s crime issues, which could include a youth curfew, if that’s what the community wants. Mr Burgoyne said.

Mr Yan said:” Any community-led solution needs to be supported with the appropriate resourcing and infrastructure to ensure any success.”