Wednesday, February 12, 2025

LGANT calls for action on crime

The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) has called for an urgent meeting with the Territory’s new Chief Minister to address antisocial behaviour and crime across the NT’s 17 local government areas.

LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis.

LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis says antisocial behaviour is impacting the local councils and the people they represent and provide services for.

“Sustained antisocial behaviour has negative implications on the real and perceived image of towns and communities and ultimately their liveability,” said Presient Vatskalis.

He said a surge in local crime was also making the attraction and retention of local government staff in certain areas of the Territory difficult.

“Which then has flow-on effects to service delivery and maintenance of infrastructure,” he said.

“The halting or closure of these services and facilities, such as the local swimming pool or library, are then often targeted as the cause of antisocial behaviour. It is a vicious cycle.”

NT Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles.

Mr Vatskalis has called on new Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, to meet with council mayors, presidents and chief executive officers as a matter of urgency.

“Now is the time for real action and LGANT and its member councils are ready to play their part,” he said. 

West Daly Regional Council (WDRC) CEO, Matthew Eastham ASM, said there had been a number of actual and attempted unlawful entrances to council staff residences and to council property in Wadeye during recent community unrest.

“Council staff should not be put in these situations and it is impacting their mental health,” Mr Eastham said.

“Apart from the human cost, the repair and replacement cost of equipment and infrastructure is something that the council is having to absorb. This is money that would normally be spent on community service delivery. The damage is also impacting on WDRC’s insurance premiums which is another added cost council do not need.”

MacDonnell Regional Council CEO, Jeff MacLeod says the area had also seen an increase in antisocial behaviour in recent months. 

“Like Wadeye, council property and staff residences are being broken in to and damaged which is impacting council’s bottom line and our ability to attract and retain staff.”

“The incident in Papunya earlier this month saw computer equipment smashed and graffiti marked across walls and floor which had an immediate impact on not only council services, but also Services Australia who operate out of the council building,” Mr MacLeod said.

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