The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to supporting police to restore law and order, make the Territory safer and keep our communities secure, including through expanding police powers.
As part of the record $1.5 billion for law and order in the 2025-26 NT Budget, it also provides a record $608 million for police, which is an increase of $36 million from 2024-25.
Key policing Budget measures include:
$95 million to continue the police funding package.$10.2 million for the Remote Policing Implementation Plan.$4.7 million for the airwing police aircraft replacement and leasing.$3.5 million for school-based policing.$3 million for the police, fire and emergency services wellbeing strategy.$1.3 million for increased closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring staff.$1 million per annum for the police banned drinker order support team.
A further $186 million over four years has also been provided for police major works infrastructure, including:
$143.5 million for the remote police infrastructure and housing upgrade program;$35.7 million to construct a new multipurpose police complex in Maningrida; and$6.6 million for upgrades to the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said supporting police through the Budget was critically important and delivers on the CLP's commitment to reduce crime and improve community safety.
"The CLP is also giving police better powers and includes the strongest bail laws in Australia, removing detention as a last resort for youth, making any breach of bail an offence and mandatory electronic monitoring for repeat offenders," she said.
Other new laws include mandatory minimum sentences for assaulting workers to enhance protection for frontline workers, new offences for ram raids, posting and boasting online, lowering the age of criminal responsibility, giving police additional powers to fine, charge and arrest for nuisance drinking in prohibited public places, and new powers of entry.
"We have also given police more powers to detect knife crime (Declan's Law) including expanded wanding powers," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"Law and order is the cornerstone of this Budget in our year of action, certainty and security."
The Budget also includes $9.55 million over three years from 2024-25, and $1.5 million ongoing to relocate the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre critical technology infrastructure to the Government Data Centre and upgrade the integrated computer aided dispatch system.
