14
FROM PARLIAMENT
HON. NICOLE MANISON
Nicole Manison Police Minister
MLA, MINISTER FOR POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
It was a pleasure to be at the Northern Territory Police Association’s Annual Conference early in September to acknowledge the NT Police Force’s incredible work over the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As I touched on at the Conference, COVID does remain the greatest threat to the Territory, and while the vaccination program is gaining momentum, there’s still some way to go before it can be back to business as usual for NTPF members. It’s because of that fact that we have delivered a record police budget and police numbers to help support you in your daily duties and COVID operations undertaken by Police, and we will continue to do so. This commitment is underpinned by the importance of the strong recruitment program that has been undertaken this year to ensure that each location has the important resources to be able to serve
and protect each community. For their significant efforts this year, we’re really grateful to all of the team at the College who are doing a great job. It’s been a privilege to welcome four new Constable squads so far this year, along with new Aboriginal Community Police Officers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers and Auxiliaries, with more to come before the year is out. One of our commitments that I announced as part of the Conference was the establishment of the Worker Welfare Review, a process in which the Association will be heavily involved. This is important work to
It’s been a privilege to welcome four new Constable squads so far this year, along with new Aboriginal Community Police Officers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers and Auxiliaries, with more to come before the year is out.
make sure we have it right when it comes to the welfare of members, to make sure we have the right resources and support, especially when it comes to stress, trauma, PTSD and depression.
Conference, it was fantastic to again have the opportunity to visit a number of stations, to meet those of you out there on the frontline, and to hear from you directly with your valuable ideas and feedback.
On the note of members’ welfare, I acknowledge Senior Constable Brodie Anderson on being announced as the deserving recipient of the Rotary Club of Darwin Northern Territory Police Officer of the Year for 2021.
I got out to Borroloola, Ti Tree, Ali Curung, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Daly River and spent some valuable time at Darwin following the introduction of the new Youth Justice Legislation Amendments.
This speaks volumes of the importance placed on SC Anderson’s role as a Welfare Officer and the high esteem in which she is held.
One of the next legislative reform proposals we are working on is the penalties associated with assaulting a police officer.
When the award was announced, one of the key achievements noted was the support and care provided to other members and their families who may be experiencing hardship, grief, family breakdown or who have been injured in the line of duty. Congratulations to SC Anderson - Police Officer of the Year is a prestigious award. In the lead up to the
While new coughing and spitting penalties have been introduced since COVID hit, we have established a working group, which includes representation from the NTPA, with the group’s work intended to inform any proposal to make further legislative amendments to support the frontline. Thanks again to you all for your ongoing commitment and efforts and I look forward to catching up with more of you on the next round of station visits.
