Government must act after theft and crashing of another vehicle by children in Alice Springs: school principal

Another vehicle has been allegedly stolen and driven off the road, reigniting debate on the need for onsite-accommodation at local schools to ensure students have somewhere to go at night.

Yipirinya School principal Gavin Morris. Picture: Josh Hanrahan

Another vehicle has been allegedly stolen and driven off the road by children aged under 12 in Alice Springs overnight, reigniting ­debate on the need for onsite ­accommodation at schools to ensure students have somewhere to go at night.

The incident is the third time school students have allegedly stolen a vehicle in Alice Springs in just over a month, prompting Yipirinya School principal Gavin Morris to declare the town was “at crisis point” on youth crime.

“Just over the last few days we’ve had a dozen students under the age of 12 in stolen cars, putting everyone’s lives at risk including their own, and then getting dropped back to what police determine as … responsible adults,” he said.

“An emergency response is required here. We feel abandoned.”

Police confirmed they received reports around 10.20pm on Monday of a stolen white Ford Falcon that had crashed in the suburb of Gillen.

“Five youths were located at the scene and conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for assessment,” a spokesman said. “The vehicle was earlier reported stolen from The Gap.”

Northern Territory police last Thursday arrested eight students aged under 12 who allegedly stole a Toyota HiAce from Yipirinya School, confirming they were returned to parents and guardians because they were under the age of criminal responsibility.

The NT on August 1 raised the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, announcing a program for intense case management for children under 12 coming into contact with police.

Once referred to the program – called “On The Right Track” – one of 20 staff will commence a statutory child protection investigation and seek to engage the child in “diversion activities” ­including youth camps.

Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson said the measures put in place in the wake of the raising of the age had not been adequate.

“I’m not saying 10-year-olds should be in jail, but the Territory government needs better wraparound services in place. Unfortunately, I don’t think they have done that,” he said.

“While there are no consequences for these kids, they’re going to continue to do this.

“It seems to me that the youth just have no concept of the damage of what they’re doing and the on flows of that.”

Mr Paterson said children needed “safe spaces to go” so they weren’t left on the streets at night.

“This idea has come straight from the kids, that they want safe spaces to go to and accommodation for young people,” he said.

He said the focus of both Territory and federal governments had been only on the alcohol-related problems in Alice Springs and youth crime was still largely unaddressed.

Dr Morris – who has a PhD in Aboriginal trauma and lectures at Charles Darwin University – said the incidents in recent weeks had increased the urgency for funding to be delivered Yipirinya School to build boarding facilities at a cost of up to $12 million.

While originally being supportive of the idea, Labor Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said in May the plan was “full of holes” and accused Mr Morris and the Federal Liberal Party of “playing politics” with the issue.

Yipirinya School board members on Monday wrote to Ms Scrymgour about her recent comments.

“We do not feel that you are sufficiently representing us and helping us to address the crisis in community,” the letter, seen by The Australian, said.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the government was “working with states and territories to make sure every school is funded to 100 per cent of its fair funding level”.

“The Albanese Government is investing $40 million in 46 Central Australian schools to improve school attendance and student education outcomes through activities designed with and supported by communities,” he said.

“This funding is part of the $250 million fund for Alice Springs and Central Australia to improve community safety, tackle alcohol-related harm, and provide more opportunities for young people.”

The Australian understands that the National Indigenous Australians Agency is still considering the Yipirinya proposal.

Opposition Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price – who’s mother works at the school – accused the government of not listening to local voices and progressing what she called “a shovel ready project” that would make a significant difference in the town.

“Young people in Alice Springs are being left to wait while the Labor government wastes time debating their Voice proposal instead of listening those in communities like Alice Springs who need help right now,” she said.

Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said the boarding facilities would “get young people off the streets and out of jail”.

“These facilities would also be life-changing for students currently forced to travel up to three hours a day to attend school, and for those living in unsafe and squalid conditions,” she said.

“It is shameful that Education Minister, Jason Clare, is failing to prioritise the educational needs of some of the most disadvantaged children in the country.”