Northern Territory Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, has congratulated the final Northern Territory Police Force graduating squad of the year, with 28 recruits hitting the frontline after completing 32 weeks of training.
The latest graduates bring this year’s Territory total to 201 Constables, 41 Auxiliaries and 18 Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
The ceremony in Marrara marked a strong year of recruitment for the NT Police Force, said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“As part of our year of action, certainty and security, we’ve introduced stronger laws, stronger support, and the strongest police pay agreement in two decades. And this commitment is reflected in the record $1.5 billion budget for community safety, including a record $608 million for police,” she asid.
More than half of the new officers will be posted to Central Australia ahead of what is traditionally a period of heightened anti-social behaviour over the summer.
Others will bolster the policing presence in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Darwin.
The Chief Minister said 2025 had seen significant reforms and investments in NT policing delivered, including:
- The strongest bail laws in Australia
- Removal of detention as a last resort for youth offenders
- Reinstated breach of bail as an offence
- New offences targeting online boasting of criminal behaviour
- Expanded police wanding powers to reduce knife crime
- Expanding police powers of entry to search for parolees or domestic violence offenders
- Stronger enforcement tools and providing courts with heavier penalties to keep Territorians safe on our roads
- Introduction of the Public Protection Support Officer rank
- Appointment of Police Commissioner Martin Dole APM
- Immediate action to extend Banned Drinker Order periods from 7 to 28 days.
The Chief Minister also thanked the new recruits and their families ahead of Christmas.
“Many of these recruits will spend the holiday period on duty, in some cases, their first Christmas away from loved ones. I want to sincerely thank them, and all emergency responders, for their service in keeping our community safe over the festive season,” she said.
