NTPA, PFA hit out at Senator Thorpe’s fury over federal NT police funding

Both the Territory and national police unions have hit out at Senator Lidia Thorpe’s scathing take on federal funding for NT police. Watch the fiery clash between the two Indigenous senators.

The Territory’s police union has taken aim at a Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe’s “disrespectful publicity stunt” over Alice Springs funding.

Senator Thorpe stormed out of a Senate estimates hearing on Wednesday after a scathing exchange with NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.

The pair’s shouting match came after it was confirmed $14.2m of federal funding for high-visibility police operations in Central Australia was from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Ms Thorpe said the funding was “disgusting” and described police as “the ones killing our people”.

Senator Lidia Thorpe asking questions on funding for NT Police in Senate estimates hearing.

NT Police Association acting president Lisa Bayliss said the Indigenous senator should publicly apologise for the “disgraceful vilification” of police.

“Senator Thorpe’s comments demonstrate a severe lack of understanding and awareness of the dire situation faced by NT police and the pressing need for increased resources and staffing,” Ms Bayliss said.

“The reality is the NT Police Force is critically under resourced and understaffed, making it exceedingly difficult for them to effectively combat the escalating crime wave which is plaguing the Territory.

Lisa Bayliss is in the running to be next president of the Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA).

“Our members strive, every single day, to keep our communities safe – while facing dangerous and volatile situations with limited resources.”

Ms Bayliss said the $14.2m – which will put an extra 30 police officers, 21 police auxiliary liquor inspectors and 10 security guards in Alice Springs – was “crucial” for police to effectively protect the community.

“Senator Thorpe’s comments not only highlight her ignorance of the harsh realities faced by the NT police force, but they also expose her disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the communities they serve,” she said.

Alice Springs are set to get an extra 30 police and 21 police auxiliary liquor inspectors with new federal funding. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“This is nothing more than a disrespectful publicity stunt, using the NT police force as a pawn for political point scoring to create further division in the community.”

Police Federation of Australia chief executive Scott Weber said Ms Thorpe’s comments showed “a complete lack of understanding and empathy” for the challenges officers face.

“Instead of attempting to score cheap political points, the Senator should take the time to educate herself with the realities on the ground, particularly in Central Australia, and the immense pressure under which the NT police forces operates before making baseless and misguided comments,” he said.

NSW Police Association head Scott Weber condemned Ms Thorpe’s comments. Photo: Liana Turner / Tweed Daily News

“NT police play a crucial role in protecting our community and fostering a sense of unity.

“They do an absolutely sensational job at keeping communities, right across the Territory, safe.”

Ms McCarthy, who is also Indigenous, shot back during the estimates hearing on Wednesday, defending the work of Territory police and need for the funding.

“You’re the one who brings disgrace to the Senate, to your people … how dare you,” she said to Ms Thorpe.

Both senators withdrew their remarks before Ms Thorpe walked out of the session, saying it was “an absolute disgrace”.

The NT Police Minister Kate Worden said she would not comment on federal politics but said she “absolutely welcomed” the $14m investment.

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Originally published as NTPA, PFA hit out at Senator Thorpe’s fury over federal NT police funding