NT government not ruling out extended curfew in search for long-term solution

An extension of the 14-day youth lockdown in Alice Springs is not being ruled out, as the Northern Territory government said it would continue to come up with a longer-term solution.

Children of Alice Springs, aged 10, 11 and 13, take a stolen Toyota RAV4 for a joy ride in the streets in February. Picture: Liam Mendes

An extension of the 14-day youth lockdown in Alice Springs is not being ruled out, as the besieged town experienced its first weekend under the new rules aimed at halting growing rates of violence and theft.

The Northern Territory Labor government said it would continue work this week to come up with a longer-term solution.

It is understood the government is looking at the option of a greater police presence and providing extra funding in the budget to have more police on the beat.

Locals in Alice Springs have experienced the largest police presence in town in living ­memory, but many are concerned youth are being pushed into the suburbs and that the influx of police will be only temporary.

Locals told The Australian some children have been paying “cat and mouse” with police on the border of the curfew zone.

It comes as a total of eight males – including two juveniles – have been arrested so far following Tuesday’s rioting that sparked the NT government intervention, where about 150 people gathered at Hidden Valley town camp “armed … and engaging in violent conduct”, as well as the cornering and attacking of a popular pub, forcing staff to barricade themselves and patrons inside.

More than 50 weapons have been seized by police.

On Thursday, NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the extension of the curfew to adults had also not been ruled out. “Our focus has been on young people, but the curfew can be extended to be for adults as well,” she said. “It is around keeping people safe.”

As of Saturday afternoon, police said 127 “young people” had been “engaged” by police, Territory Families and other services. The Territory Response Group – the elite tactical unit at the centre of racism allegations and a corruption watchdog ­inquiry – is currently in Alice Springs and was involved in the arrest of a 28-year-old woman over the weekend who ­allegedly stabbed a man in the back in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It comes as the chief of the Northern Territory’s corruption watchdog declared that mock awards issued within the TRG unit were “racist towards First Nations ­people”.

Young children roaming the streets of Alice Springs last year. Picture: Liam Mendes

On Sunday, members of the unit were praised by top brass who said members “provided critical care” to the victim and transported the 32-year-old man to hospital. “The officers who attended the scene initially are to be commended,” Assistant Commissioner Peter Kennon said.

“Police have been informed by St John that the excellent work of members delivering initial first aid to the victim more than likely saved his life.”

The extraordinary curfew banning children under the age of 18 from the Alice Springs CBD was introduced on Wednesday, aimed at stopping the riots and violence that have plagued the red centre for months, as the besieged Northern Territory Labor government tries to stave off calls for a federal takeover.

It resulted in police returning 33 “auxiliary liquor inspectors” who had been sent to Darwin to undergo training to become police constables to return to town, as well as an additional 25 police officers.