Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Just received some information from the Northern Territory Police that
a twenty seven year old man has been charged after
he assaulted police officers during an arrest in Hermannsburg yesterday.
It happened just after two o'clock in the afternoon. The
two police officers were conducting a welfare check on a
twenty seven year old mail not from the community when
they identified that he was subject to a parole revocation.
(00:23):
Now it's alleged that while attempting to take him into custody,
he bit one of the officers on the arm, before
biting the second officer on the hand and punching him
multiple times in the head.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It's an absolute shocker.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Now, the twenty seven year old was taken into custody
without further incident and conveyed to the Alice Springs Watchhouse
where he's been.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Charged with multiple offenses.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
But joining me in the studio is well the president
of the Northern Territory Police Association, Nathan finn Mourning Finny.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Good morning, Katy, Good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Good to have you in the studio now. Obviously we're
keen to talk to you about a few different things,
but this seven year old being charged.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
I mean that assault sounds like a shocker.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
It definitely does CARDI and it's not isolated. Unfortunately, we've
dealt with a couple and the NTPA have been dealing
with a couple of assault matters over the last few
days as well. We had another one incident Nellie Springs
where the offender was sentenced to an extensive period of
imprisonment because of the assault, an unprovoked attacked on one
of our other officers. It's just it's deplorable the actions
that members of the community are taking towards our police officers.
(01:24):
And just briefly in respect to the assault police, we've
seen the offenses rise hugely over the last twelve months.
I received report from the Police Federation of Australia as
of yesterday and we've gone through that and we're seeing
about four hundred and sixty offenses of assault against police in.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
The last twelve months in the Northern Terra.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Northern Territory and that's equivalent to nearly over thirty percent
of our workforce Katie that have been assaulted in the
course of their due last year and that's that's totally unacceptable.
We expected to see some changes with the Manatrey sentencing
for assault frontline workers, police, etc. But we're seeing it
going the other way at the moment, Katie, which is unacceptable.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Go Finny, like, do you think it's the attitude towards
the police?
Speaker 2 (02:04):
What do you think is going on?
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Definitely, it's it seems to be unfortunate circumstances with our
police officers. They are being assaulted when they're trying to
carry out their duties, and this is unacceptable, Cuddy, and
our members need those protections. No one wants to go
to work to be assaulted. No one wants to go
to work to be a kicking or punching bag for
some other person. We're there to protect the community. We're
there to provide a service to the community and make
(02:26):
sure they're safe. And our members deserve to be safe
for that circumstance.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Can you just tell me those numbers again? Did you
say how many.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Excess to four hundred and sixty offenses?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So that means more than six more than four hundred
and sixty assault?
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yes, that doesn't that obviously premise that premise that it
could be the same or similar officer. Yeah, an officer
might be subject to numerous assaults throughout the year. But
again that's a.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
That's a question, doesn't make it better.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
No, that equates to about thirty percent of our workforce.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
That is crazy. Yeah, it's crazy stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
It's unacceptable, Cady. Yes, we need to provide a safe
working place for our police office us that are there
to protect the community.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Well, and you know, no matter where you work, you
should not have to worry about going to work and
being assaulted.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
And we all.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Understand that the police obviously face a higher level of risk,
you know, in the very nature of doing your jobs.
But that's pretty appalling. And then I, you know, I
sort of wonder as well, how bad have some of
these assaults been.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
And what's the effect of the assault, Katie. And we've
seen over time our members have been serious assault in
the long term mental health effects that it has on
our members and the ability to come back and perform
the role that they love to do, and they all perform.
They love performing the role they do and protecting the community.
It has a lifelong effect for some people. And that's
not acceptable, Katie, No, it's.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Not and it would do you know if you worry
then that you're going to get punched in the face
when you go to work, that would make anybody question,
you know, going to work that day.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Reality is, our members are going out there expecting to
be assaulted. And that's an unfortunate circumstance we've gotten to, kat.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
And appalling it is. It really is absolutely appalling.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
And I take my head off to the to the
men and women on the front line, especially because they're
the ones responding to the unknown incidents who were being
assaulted a day after day. That's in excess of one
per day, Katie. And that's not acceptable, and that's something
we need to target and that's something we need to
protect our members forum.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I agree with you, Finny.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Earlier in the week, we saw two off duty police
officers intervene during a dangerous situation at Ourae Spring shopping Center.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
I barnya there in Alice Springs.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Now they could receive well, they could be really recognized
for their bravery, as they should be. But this situation
that unfolded in Alice Springs with these fourteen and seventeen
year old and one of them wielding a machette.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Have you looked at that vision?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
I have looked at that vision and tried to reach
out to the members involved as well. They're currently off
duty at the moment where our officer has been trying
to get hold on them as well. I believe the
ones is still on holidays and we've left the town
shortly after that incident occurred. The bravery that they showed,
the placing their own bodies in the line to protect
another person, that's what es police officers we pride ourselves to,
(05:00):
but when you're doing it off duty, unharmed, in pacing
yourself in that danger is totally unbelievable and it's not
something that we can train people to do. It's something
that's instinct and something that these people just took on
and make sure that the person was safe that was
being attacked, and that's totally that's bravery.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
It was incredible, absolutely incredible to see them, you know,
respond in that way.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Is it definitely is and in a split second to
react like that and to intervene, and unfortunately as a
result of that, the thoughts come in later on and
being in that situation a lot of times ourselves as
police officers, we don't worry about the danger until after.
So it's that port and we support these members and
go what could happened, what could have potentially occurred to
(05:47):
them as well, that the shitty could have been used
on them and lifelong effects or serious harm or death
could have caused to them as well. But for them
to step up the way.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
They did was totally just incredible.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
The dedication their members show, and we've seen when our
off duty members or playing closed members intervene and stuff
when they're off duty and not armed, et cetera, the
consequences that possibly could happen. So to do that and
mindful of everything that's going on and in Alice Springs
that they've stood up and they'd be candid when they
need to be care and that's that's really amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
It is a whole you know, it's incredible what they've done.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Finny, I know that as I understand it.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
We spoke to the Police Commissioner about this earlier in
the week as well. The Chief Minister's written, I believe too,
the Police Commissioner to recommend that they do get recognized
for their bravery.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I'm assuming that you would agree.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah, believe definitely. I spoke to the management team and
Alice Springs yesterday and they confirm that there's obviously nominations
for awards coming through for their bravery and definitely that's
something we support for our members. It's not something we
do very often. It's probably something we should do more
often as a police force to recognize our members that
put themselves in danger every single day to protect the community.
(06:54):
This goes above and beyond when you're off duty, when
you're or not armed yourself, you've got no protections yourself
to step up. It's the ultimate dedication that you're showing
to protect the community and that should be deservely.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I agree, I really agree.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Hey, last week the Northern Territory Police obviously released their
first ever anti racism strategy for staff.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
What's been the reaction from your members?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Mixed, mixed, mixed reactions. So I've had lots of conversations
with a lot of people across the organization. But firstly,
I want to say very clear that we have an
incredible police force in the Northern Territory. Our offers are
well aware of the deep and complex socioeconomic problems that
they we haven't existed for decades. Katie and the majority
serve our community with professionalism, compassion and integrity every single day.
(07:38):
That said, we can't ignore that there've been an instance
of unacceptable behavior by a small number of members across
the organization and that simply is not okay, Katie. When
it happens, it damages trust and undermines the reputation of
the good police who do the right thing each and
every day.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Now, Fitty, in terms of you know, like the four
key priority here is that serve and protect, eliminate racism,
represent and reflect our territory and to be accountable. What
kind of impact do you think the strategy will have
across the board?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Again, Katie, it's we've been consulted throughout this process. This
has been a long process of over fourteen months. Through
the consultation process, we've ever provided comprehensive feedback to the
Northern Territory Police Force. Again, our feedback is not they
acknowledge that the feedback's there. Again, they don't have to
do what the NTPA thinks they should do. It's their
(08:26):
policy that they put in place. But again, we're not
against the racism strategy. We provided a lot of constructive
feedback to the agency and respect to it. We didn't
believe in the aboriginality of the policy and we should
be a policy that reflects our whole community, not just
one race within the career. So we see it as
a cultural divide. We're targeting one race in the organization
(08:47):
that we're dealing with one race in a certain separate
way where we should be. We all serve an oath
and sign and swear an oath to serve and protect anyone,
no matter race, creed, or color or otherwise, and we're
there to provide that professional service. So the racism strategy,
as much as it provides evoking conversations within the workplace
and it provides it's just another policy that's there in place,
(09:10):
and it's definitely up to the action of the leadership
of an Northern Territory police force whether they're going to
take action against that, because we've got in place and
we've had in place code to conduct and ethics which
records this behavior and records the behavior of a police
officer and has to be professionalism without this racist any
racist undertones or under marks. But definitely there's policies there,
but the real test is going to be whether they
(09:30):
actually enforce the policy.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
In terms of that target for thirty percent employment across
all staffing levels by twenty twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Do you reckon that's achievable.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
It's an ambitious target, Katie, and something that we're happy
to work together to work for that. But if they're
the right people for the right job, and they're applying
for the job for the right reasons, it's a great reflection,
it's a great reflection of our community. We should be
proud if we could get to that. Again, it's the
ambitious I don't know if we'll get there. There's a
lot of recruitment going on underway for Aboriginal aison offices,
(10:02):
which obviously increases our Aboriginal population and employee rate for
the Northern Territory Police Force. But again, the local understanding
of the building of trust. I've seen a lot of
Aboriginal employees, and I've worked with a lot of Aboriginal
employees across the Northern Territory Police Force and have men
taught a lot. And I really the pressure that they
get placed under by their own people, by the racial
(10:23):
discrimination that occurs between Aboriginal person to an Aboriginal police employee,
is totally disgraceful, Katie, and I've seen that time and
time again. They are constantly targeted by the Aboriginal people
as if they're the trader to their race, and that's
not acceptable. Until that changes, we need to make that
change in the public and the public perception of Aboriginal
people being involved in the Northern Territory Police Force before
(10:45):
anything's really going to change.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
That's really bloody, sad, I would say, because I think
that's you know, like I think that thirty percent, you know,
achieving that Aboriginal employment of thirty percent.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
To me, I look at.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
It and go, oh, wouldn't it be wonderful, you know,
out in some of our remote communities as well, for
young kids to go, oh, look at that, I can
become a.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Police officer suddenly, and some officers couldn't work without the
Aboriginal the relationships we have built with the average of
people in our community because they help us build the trust,
improve our communication with the local community, and really a
better policing service. I've got friends that still contact me
from community and Aboriginal people who have had an impact
on with their lives growing up still from twenty years
(11:24):
ago came so you have that impact. You play local
sport with the average of people, they respect you as
a person outside of your police uniform and at times
they still recognize that there's obviously those conversations, those engagements
you had even twenty years ago, and even through the
most trying circumstances and being the Undamu community came having
worked with their and having the tragedy that's gone on
(11:46):
obviously what's occurred at Yunamou and the death of another
person from the UNIVERR community, obviously with police involved. It's
been trying, but these people still know who you are,
what you're like, and the relationship you built with and
that's the most important thing.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
It is important, it's incredibly important.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
We need to support our Aboriginal employees to make sure
that they're not the target of this sort of behavior
as well. And unfortunately a lot of our members receive
this racist behavior towards them each and every day. I'd
hate to even say some of the stuff that we've
been called as police officers right across our careers, Katie,
because it's totally unacceptable and it needs to be held responsible.
And I'm all for police being held responsible for any
(12:26):
comments they make or any racist underd tims, etc. And
our members, a majority of our members are happy for
that to occur. As well because we are a professional organization.
We want to be respected for that professional outfit as well.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Finny, before I let you go, these ppsos, where are they?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
As?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
It's been an interesting week Katie with the PPSAs. We're
still going through some final paperwork in respect to that.
Receives a draft copy of the consent agreement our Industrial
Committee in the Northern Territory Police Associations working through that
consent agree that we've received nearly just about a week
and a half ago. So we're working through that. As
you can imagine, it's a long and complex document, but
(13:03):
really at the moment, we're trying to establish what the
roles and responsibilities are and having a set role and
responsibility so we can negotiate a fair and equitable workplace
entitlement for these members for when they start.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
So is it a bit difficult to work out what's
fair and equitable in terms of that wage when you
don't know what their role and responsibility is going to be.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
That's very much then that's the position we're currently in CADI.
So we've got negotiations going on and I can't go
into it too much obviously without prejudice, and obviously confidential
conversation occurring. We're trying to get the best deal and
to make sure that they're supported when they come into
the workplace and commiserate with their roles and responsibility within
the defined rank structure we've got and where they sit
in that rank structure and where they should be renumerated.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Hey, f Anny, another quick one. Where's the pay increase at?
Obviously it was all you know, like it was agreed upon.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Where's it at?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
So currently we went through to the Police Arbitual Tribunal.
We had a session there, I believe from memory on
the fifth of November a little while ago. We've given
industrial update. We're currently seeing a broadcast will be released
by the police in the Ord Northern Territory Police Association
today in relation to the certification of that agreement which
occurred yesterday, So that'll be coming out at around midday today.
(14:13):
So we've agreed in joint communications between the Northern Turrety
Police Force and the NTPA to broadcast that to our
membership today and we're very proud of the position we've
got to in respect to that and I can't thank
the teams that come to the table and the negotiating
teams from both sides or from the three sides from OCPA,
Northern Territory Police Force and the NTPA and establishing such
a great agreement and our members truly are going to
(14:35):
be reflected of the work they do and going forward
and to make sure their workplace entitlements are being protected.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So when is it kicking when they from the.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Seventh of August. So they're currently working through and that's
all waiting for for the DCD and payroll to confirm
when those back payments are going to take place. And
they've confirmed that, so that'll be broadcast to the membership
today to inform them where that's at. I can tell
them that it's coming sooner rather than later, and most
of them are going well, hopefully before Christmas, assess most
(15:04):
people are going as Christmas comes closer. But I can
confirm that that's all going to take place as soon
as possible.
Speaker 1 (15:09):
Well, Finni, I know we've got a lot of police
that listen to the show, so I'm sure they'll be
pleased to hear that this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
I'm sure they are. And they always remind me when
they do listen to your show and remind me to
if I've missed something or said something inappropriate or something
they don't agree with, So I get reminded quite often, Katie.
I'm aware that a lot of police officers listen to
your show, but just to make sure that we are
there to support them no matter what, and we're here
there to have that argument on behalf of them and
to make sure they're support in the workplace, and we'll
(15:36):
continue to do that and the NTPA are proud to
do that on their behalf well.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Nathan Finn, President of the Northern Territory Police Association, Good
to have you on the show this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
It's always good to be on your show. And we've
had a few mishaps and starts and stops this week
in relation to coming on, but I always look forward
to coming on and speaking to you, Katie and speaking
to your listeners as well. And thank you very.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Much, absolutely good on your Finny, Thanks so much for
your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Much a pre Shida
Just received some information from the Northern Territory Police that
a twenty seven year old man has been charged after
he assaulted police officers during an arrest in Hermannsburg yesterday.
It happened just after two o'clock in the afternoon. The
two police officers were conducting a welfare check on a
twenty seven year old mail not from the community when
they identified that he was subject to a parole revocation.
(00:23):
Now it's alleged that while attempting to take him into custody,
he bit one of the officers on the arm, before
biting the second officer on the hand and punching him
multiple times in the head.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It's an absolute shocker.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Now, the twenty seven year old was taken into custody
without further incident and conveyed to the Alice Springs Watchhouse
where he's been.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Charged with multiple offenses.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
But joining me in the studio is well the president
of the Northern Territory Police Association, Nathan finn Mourning Finny.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Good morning, Katy, Good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Good to have you in the studio now. Obviously we're
keen to talk to you about a few different things,
but this seven year old being charged.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
I mean that assault sounds like a shocker.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
It definitely does CARDI and it's not isolated. Unfortunately, we've
dealt with a couple and the NTPA have been dealing
with a couple of assault matters over the last few
days as well. We had another one incident Nellie Springs
where the offender was sentenced to an extensive period of
imprisonment because of the assault, an unprovoked attacked on one
of our other officers. It's just it's deplorable the actions
that members of the community are taking towards our police officers.
(01:24):
And just briefly in respect to the assault police, we've
seen the offenses rise hugely over the last twelve months.
I received report from the Police Federation of Australia as
of yesterday and we've gone through that and we're seeing
about four hundred and sixty offenses of assault against police in.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
The last twelve months in the Northern Terra.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Northern Territory and that's equivalent to nearly over thirty percent
of our workforce Katie that have been assaulted in the
course of their due last year and that's that's totally unacceptable.
We expected to see some changes with the Manatrey sentencing
for assault frontline workers, police, etc. But we're seeing it
going the other way at the moment, Katie, which is unacceptable.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Go Finny, like, do you think it's the attitude towards
the police?
Speaker 2 (02:04):
What do you think is going on?
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Definitely, it's it seems to be unfortunate circumstances with our
police officers. They are being assaulted when they're trying to
carry out their duties, and this is unacceptable, Cuddy, and
our members need those protections. No one wants to go
to work to be assaulted. No one wants to go
to work to be a kicking or punching bag for
some other person. We're there to protect the community. We're
there to provide a service to the community and make
(02:26):
sure they're safe. And our members deserve to be safe
for that circumstance.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Can you just tell me those numbers again? Did you
say how many.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Excess to four hundred and sixty offenses?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So that means more than six more than four hundred
and sixty assault?
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yes, that doesn't that obviously premise that premise that it
could be the same or similar officer. Yeah, an officer
might be subject to numerous assaults throughout the year. But
again that's a.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
That's a question, doesn't make it better.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
No, that equates to about thirty percent of our workforce.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
That is crazy. Yeah, it's crazy stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
It's unacceptable, Cady. Yes, we need to provide a safe
working place for our police office us that are there
to protect the community.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Well, and you know, no matter where you work, you
should not have to worry about going to work and
being assaulted.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
And we all.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Understand that the police obviously face a higher level of risk,
you know, in the very nature of doing your jobs.
But that's pretty appalling. And then I, you know, I
sort of wonder as well, how bad have some of
these assaults been.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
And what's the effect of the assault, Katie. And we've
seen over time our members have been serious assault in
the long term mental health effects that it has on
our members and the ability to come back and perform
the role that they love to do, and they all perform.
They love performing the role they do and protecting the community.
It has a lifelong effect for some people. And that's
not acceptable, Katie, No, it's.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Not and it would do you know if you worry
then that you're going to get punched in the face
when you go to work, that would make anybody question,
you know, going to work that day.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Reality is, our members are going out there expecting to
be assaulted. And that's an unfortunate circumstance we've gotten to, kat.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
And appalling it is. It really is absolutely appalling.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
And I take my head off to the to the
men and women on the front line, especially because they're
the ones responding to the unknown incidents who were being
assaulted a day after day. That's in excess of one
per day, Katie. And that's not acceptable, and that's something
we need to target and that's something we need to
protect our members forum.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I agree with you, Finny.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Earlier in the week, we saw two off duty police
officers intervene during a dangerous situation at Ourae Spring shopping Center.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
I barnya there in Alice Springs.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Now they could receive well, they could be really recognized
for their bravery, as they should be. But this situation
that unfolded in Alice Springs with these fourteen and seventeen
year old and one of them wielding a machette.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Have you looked at that vision?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
I have looked at that vision and tried to reach
out to the members involved as well. They're currently off
duty at the moment where our officer has been trying
to get hold on them as well. I believe the
ones is still on holidays and we've left the town
shortly after that incident occurred. The bravery that they showed,
the placing their own bodies in the line to protect
another person, that's what es police officers we pride ourselves to,
(05:00):
but when you're doing it off duty, unharmed, in pacing
yourself in that danger is totally unbelievable and it's not
something that we can train people to do. It's something
that's instinct and something that these people just took on
and make sure that the person was safe that was
being attacked, and that's totally that's bravery.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
It was incredible, absolutely incredible to see them, you know,
respond in that way.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Is it definitely is and in a split second to
react like that and to intervene, and unfortunately as a
result of that, the thoughts come in later on and
being in that situation a lot of times ourselves as
police officers, we don't worry about the danger until after.
So it's that port and we support these members and
go what could happened, what could have potentially occurred to
(05:47):
them as well, that the shitty could have been used
on them and lifelong effects or serious harm or death
could have caused to them as well. But for them
to step up the way.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
They did was totally just incredible.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
The dedication their members show, and we've seen when our
off duty members or playing closed members intervene and stuff
when they're off duty and not armed, et cetera, the
consequences that possibly could happen. So to do that and
mindful of everything that's going on and in Alice Springs
that they've stood up and they'd be candid when they
need to be care and that's that's really amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
It is a whole you know, it's incredible what they've done.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Finny, I know that as I understand it.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
We spoke to the Police Commissioner about this earlier in
the week as well. The Chief Minister's written, I believe too,
the Police Commissioner to recommend that they do get recognized
for their bravery.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I'm assuming that you would agree.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah, believe definitely. I spoke to the management team and
Alice Springs yesterday and they confirm that there's obviously nominations
for awards coming through for their bravery and definitely that's
something we support for our members. It's not something we
do very often. It's probably something we should do more
often as a police force to recognize our members that
put themselves in danger every single day to protect the community.
(06:54):
This goes above and beyond when you're off duty, when
you're or not armed yourself, you've got no protections yourself
to step up. It's the ultimate dedication that you're showing
to protect the community and that should be deservely.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I agree, I really agree.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Hey, last week the Northern Territory Police obviously released their
first ever anti racism strategy for staff.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
What's been the reaction from your members?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Mixed, mixed, mixed reactions. So I've had lots of conversations
with a lot of people across the organization. But firstly,
I want to say very clear that we have an
incredible police force in the Northern Territory. Our offers are
well aware of the deep and complex socioeconomic problems that
they we haven't existed for decades. Katie and the majority
serve our community with professionalism, compassion and integrity every single day.
(07:38):
That said, we can't ignore that there've been an instance
of unacceptable behavior by a small number of members across
the organization and that simply is not okay, Katie. When
it happens, it damages trust and undermines the reputation of
the good police who do the right thing each and
every day.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Now, Fitty, in terms of you know, like the four
key priority here is that serve and protect, eliminate racism,
represent and reflect our territory and to be accountable. What
kind of impact do you think the strategy will have
across the board?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Again, Katie, it's we've been consulted throughout this process. This
has been a long process of over fourteen months. Through
the consultation process, we've ever provided comprehensive feedback to the
Northern Territory Police Force. Again, our feedback is not they
acknowledge that the feedback's there. Again, they don't have to
do what the NTPA thinks they should do. It's their
(08:26):
policy that they put in place. But again, we're not
against the racism strategy. We provided a lot of constructive
feedback to the agency and respect to it. We didn't
believe in the aboriginality of the policy and we should
be a policy that reflects our whole community, not just
one race within the career. So we see it as
a cultural divide. We're targeting one race in the organization
(08:47):
that we're dealing with one race in a certain separate
way where we should be. We all serve an oath
and sign and swear an oath to serve and protect anyone,
no matter race, creed, or color or otherwise, and we're
there to provide that professional service. So the racism strategy,
as much as it provides evoking conversations within the workplace
and it provides it's just another policy that's there in place,
(09:10):
and it's definitely up to the action of the leadership
of an Northern Territory police force whether they're going to
take action against that, because we've got in place and
we've had in place code to conduct and ethics which
records this behavior and records the behavior of a police
officer and has to be professionalism without this racist any
racist undertones or under marks. But definitely there's policies there,
but the real test is going to be whether they
(09:30):
actually enforce the policy.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
In terms of that target for thirty percent employment across
all staffing levels by twenty twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Do you reckon that's achievable.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
It's an ambitious target, Katie, and something that we're happy
to work together to work for that. But if they're
the right people for the right job, and they're applying
for the job for the right reasons, it's a great reflection,
it's a great reflection of our community. We should be
proud if we could get to that. Again, it's the
ambitious I don't know if we'll get there. There's a
lot of recruitment going on underway for Aboriginal aison offices,
(10:02):
which obviously increases our Aboriginal population and employee rate for
the Northern Territory Police Force. But again, the local understanding
of the building of trust. I've seen a lot of
Aboriginal employees, and I've worked with a lot of Aboriginal
employees across the Northern Territory Police Force and have men
taught a lot. And I really the pressure that they
get placed under by their own people, by the racial
(10:23):
discrimination that occurs between Aboriginal person to an Aboriginal police employee,
is totally disgraceful, Katie, and I've seen that time and
time again. They are constantly targeted by the Aboriginal people
as if they're the trader to their race, and that's
not acceptable. Until that changes, we need to make that
change in the public and the public perception of Aboriginal
people being involved in the Northern Territory Police Force before
(10:45):
anything's really going to change.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
That's really bloody, sad, I would say, because I think
that's you know, like I think that thirty percent, you know,
achieving that Aboriginal employment of thirty percent.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
To me, I look at.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
It and go, oh, wouldn't it be wonderful, you know,
out in some of our remote communities as well, for
young kids to go, oh, look at that, I can
become a.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Police officer suddenly, and some officers couldn't work without the
Aboriginal the relationships we have built with the average of
people in our community because they help us build the trust,
improve our communication with the local community, and really a
better policing service. I've got friends that still contact me
from community and Aboriginal people who have had an impact
on with their lives growing up still from twenty years
(11:24):
ago came so you have that impact. You play local
sport with the average of people, they respect you as
a person outside of your police uniform and at times
they still recognize that there's obviously those conversations, those engagements
you had even twenty years ago, and even through the
most trying circumstances and being the Undamu community came having
worked with their and having the tragedy that's gone on
(11:46):
obviously what's occurred at Yunamou and the death of another
person from the UNIVERR community, obviously with police involved. It's
been trying, but these people still know who you are,
what you're like, and the relationship you built with and
that's the most important thing.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
It is important, it's incredibly important.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
We need to support our Aboriginal employees to make sure
that they're not the target of this sort of behavior
as well. And unfortunately a lot of our members receive
this racist behavior towards them each and every day. I'd
hate to even say some of the stuff that we've
been called as police officers right across our careers, Katie,
because it's totally unacceptable and it needs to be held responsible.
And I'm all for police being held responsible for any
(12:26):
comments they make or any racist underd tims, etc. And
our members, a majority of our members are happy for
that to occur. As well because we are a professional organization.
We want to be respected for that professional outfit as well.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Finny, before I let you go, these ppsos, where are they?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
As?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
It's been an interesting week Katie with the PPSAs. We're
still going through some final paperwork in respect to that.
Receives a draft copy of the consent agreement our Industrial
Committee in the Northern Territory Police Associations working through that
consent agree that we've received nearly just about a week
and a half ago. So we're working through that. As
you can imagine, it's a long and complex document, but
(13:03):
really at the moment, we're trying to establish what the
roles and responsibilities are and having a set role and
responsibility so we can negotiate a fair and equitable workplace
entitlement for these members for when they start.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
So is it a bit difficult to work out what's
fair and equitable in terms of that wage when you
don't know what their role and responsibility is going to be.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
That's very much then that's the position we're currently in CADI.
So we've got negotiations going on and I can't go
into it too much obviously without prejudice, and obviously confidential
conversation occurring. We're trying to get the best deal and
to make sure that they're supported when they come into
the workplace and commiserate with their roles and responsibility within
the defined rank structure we've got and where they sit
in that rank structure and where they should be renumerated.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Hey, f Anny, another quick one. Where's the pay increase at?
Obviously it was all you know, like it was agreed upon.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Where's it at?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
So currently we went through to the Police Arbitual Tribunal.
We had a session there, I believe from memory on
the fifth of November a little while ago. We've given
industrial update. We're currently seeing a broadcast will be released
by the police in the Ord Northern Territory Police Association
today in relation to the certification of that agreement which
occurred yesterday, So that'll be coming out at around midday today.
(14:13):
So we've agreed in joint communications between the Northern Turrety
Police Force and the NTPA to broadcast that to our
membership today and we're very proud of the position we've
got to in respect to that and I can't thank
the teams that come to the table and the negotiating
teams from both sides or from the three sides from OCPA,
Northern Territory Police Force and the NTPA and establishing such
a great agreement and our members truly are going to
(14:35):
be reflected of the work they do and going forward
and to make sure their workplace entitlements are being protected.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So when is it kicking when they from the.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Seventh of August. So they're currently working through and that's
all waiting for for the DCD and payroll to confirm
when those back payments are going to take place. And
they've confirmed that, so that'll be broadcast to the membership
today to inform them where that's at. I can tell
them that it's coming sooner rather than later, and most
of them are going well, hopefully before Christmas, assess most
(15:04):
people are going as Christmas comes closer. But I can
confirm that that's all going to take place as soon
as possible.
Speaker 1 (15:09):
Well, Finni, I know we've got a lot of police
that listen to the show, so I'm sure they'll be
pleased to hear that this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
I'm sure they are. And they always remind me when
they do listen to your show and remind me to
if I've missed something or said something inappropriate or something
they don't agree with, So I get reminded quite often, Katie.
I'm aware that a lot of police officers listen to
your show, but just to make sure that we are
there to support them no matter what, and we're here
there to have that argument on behalf of them and
to make sure they're support in the workplace, and we'll
(15:36):
continue to do that and the NTPA are proud to
do that on their behalf well.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Nathan Finn, President of the Northern Territory Police Association, Good
to have you on the show this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
It's always good to be on your show. And we've
had a few mishaps and starts and stops this week
in relation to coming on, but I always look forward
to coming on and speaking to you, Katie and speaking
to your listeners as well. And thank you very.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Much, absolutely good on your Finny, Thanks so much for
your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Much a pre Shida
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