Our town, our resilience....

Announcement: Our town, our resilience....

Below is a message from our Chief Operating Officer Nicole Walsh, who is based in the Alice Springs Office and the latest response to the escalation of crime and anti-social behaviour and media coverage. However, these issues are not contained to Alice Springs, and we know that is impacting business and community across the Territory. The Chamber continues to advocate for strategies, policies and activities and prevention programs that support business safety and security in the NT. Improving Business Safety and Security is Pillar Five of the Chamber’s Living it up in the Regions Campaign.

A message to members,

Over the last months, we have seen our town continue to dominate national and international headlines and most recently, on an unprecedented level of coverage. In four weeks, we have seen the announcement of A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia, the introduction of liquor restrictions for a period of three months, reduction of retail trade hours for a number of the business community, the reintroduction of alcohol legislation in areas and a class action meeting with 3000 attendees and more – it’s been big.

Recently we met with several representatives of Government, including Chief Minister the Hon. Natasha Fyles, Minister the Hon. Kate Worden, Minister the Hon. Paul Kirby, Senator the Hon. Malarndirri McCarthy, Elected Member for Lingiari the Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP and Minister for Indigenous Australian’s the Hon. Linda Burney MP to discuss and put forward ongoing concerns but also community-led ideas and thoughts on solutions.

With the recent announcements, this largely revolved around the accountability of current and future service providers, pressure to streamline the youth diversion process, creating more effective outcomes for young people, working towards a mechanism for business where they can actively be involved in the youth diversion space, continued community policing, beautification of the Alice CBD, tightening of trespass legislation to keep front line staff and premises safe, the impact on residents and the tourism industry on the lack of transport to safely move in and around town, safe housing for youth at night and training that meets the needs of people living in regional and remote communities and towns.

One of the pushes to all levels of Government, including through our representation at the Social Order Response Team Committee, is now about changing the narrative of our town.

We as a Chamber, have been talking to local and national media to talk about the very real impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on our community, including for the business community the ability to retain and attract a workforce and general liveability. While we continue to watch and monitor recent and upcoming announcements, the narrative must change – let’s be clear not everything is unicorns and stars and yes, we are somewhat dented at the moment, but what we do have as a town is a resilient and incredible community spirit.

What we are asking for from all levels of Government is that information sharing, including regular updates on what is happening, what has happened, what has worked, and what has not worked, will help us with the narrative going forward. We will keep you updated on this conversation going forward.

Do you have a positive story that you would like to share? Share to: [email protected]