NTPA - October 2018

Police news The Independent Voice of Police in the Northern Territory

Annual Conference – Valuing the Thin Blue Line this month:

Member survey results Remembering Glen Huitson Never Work alone

October 2018

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The new Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seat SUV has arrived in showrooms, bringing an improved interior and more tech. Can it make even greater inroads than its well-regarded predecessor?

While this new model remains a little smaller than top-sellers such as the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9, it offers more cabin room than the outgoing model ever did.

The Santa Fe looks totally different to the previous model, inside and out. The front now has the same ‘upside down face’ as the Kona, with the daytime LEDs placed high and the headlights low, either side of an impressive cascading grille.

There also appear to be improvements in cabin ‘ambience’ thanks to heavier use of high-grade materials and textures, modern active-safety features including some partially driverless tech, and fuel economy gains from an updated drivetrain.

THE RANGE

The all-new Santa Fe range kicks off from $43,000 (plus on-road costs) and comes with the choice of four variants, one driveline and two engines, with pricing running all the way through to $60,500 (plus on-road costs).

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The next step up is the Elite fourwheel-drive diesel with 18-inch alloys,

and finally the Highlander rounds off the offering, with a four-wheel-drive diesel with 19-inch alloys and all the fruit. There are nine colours available, with premium paints attracting an additional cost.

Hyundai has engineered a very premium feel to the interior with softtouch material on the dashboard and centre console surrounds. There are some harder plastics around the door, but they don't mark easily and appear to be built for durability given their location around hand entry/exit points

STANDARD EQUIPMENT IS GENEROUS You'll get:

• Six airbags • Autonomous emergency braking • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go, rear cross-traffic alert • Lane-keeping assist • Blind-spot monitoring • Rear parking sensors • A rear-view camera • Auto dusk-sensing headlamps • LED daytime-running lights • 17-inch alloy wheels • 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Cloth trim for all seven seats

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The blind-spot collision avoidance also works to prevent the driver from moving into another lane if there is a vehicle present. It will even lock the rear doors if a passenger tries to exit the vehicle when another vehicle is approaching, it's excellent technology that could prevent tragic accidents from taking place.

Leg and head room in the first row are good with several seat adjustments available. Second-row leg room is good, but head room is a little limited with the panoramic sunroof fitted to the Highlander. ISOFIX points are located on the two outboard seats, while the secondrow slides and reclines to offer extra accommodation to third-row occupants.

TIME FOR A NEW SET OF WHEELS?

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Paul McCue Phone (08) 8995 9520 www.ntpa.com.au ADVERTISER ALERT Boo Media is appointed by the Northern Territory Police Association as the authorised publisher of Northern Territory Police News. For enquiries regarding advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers:

Contents October 2018

PUBLISHER: Boo Media PTY Limited PO Box 19, Narrabeen, NSW 2101 Phone: (02) 8004 8612 Fax: (02) 8004 8611 info@boodigital.com.au ACN: 153 128 860 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS must be supplied on computer disk with hard copy (or by email to reception@ntpa.com.au) addressed to The Editor, Northern Territory Police News, GPO Box 2350, Darwin Northern Territory 0801.

Northern Territory Police News is published by the Northern Territory Police Association Inc., Level 2, Suite 209 ‘Spirit on The Avenue’ 12 Salonika Street Parap NT 0820. Contents are subject to copyright.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Organisations which represent sworn police officers’ industrial interests, however, may reproduce any part of the content of Northern Territory Police News without written permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor.

14

Golf: Alex Brennan plays with the pros

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DISCLAIMER Boo Media (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the Northern Territory Police Association, and the publication is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate. However, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Northern Territory Police Association make no representation, nor give any warranty or guarantee concerning the information provided. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publisher, its directors and employees.

20

Annual Conference: Valuing the thin blue line

25

COPYRIGHT All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.

Cover photo: Delegates at the NTPA Annual Conference opening, Thursday 16 August 2018

The NT Police Association is proudly supported by:

Remembering Glen Huitson: 19 years and not forgotten

07 09 10 12 13 16 19 20 22 23 26 28 30 31 32 36 38 39 40 42

President’s Report From the politicians Field Officer’s Report Industrial Report – the use of Part IV Never Work Alone Annual Conference Meritorious Service and Life Membership Member Survey results Vale Barney Noonan Vale Geoff Sullivan Remembering Glen Huitson PALI graduation Auxiliary Squad graduation Golf success Legacy Golf The Kokoda Trek Communications Queensland Police Union conference Book Review – Forensics Asian-Style Resignations and Retirements

OCTOBER 2018 05

president's Message

REGIONAL DELEGATES ACPO

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Chairperson Michelle Gargan Vice Chairperson Lisa Burkenhagen Secretary Rebecca Brogan Ordinary Member 1 Ellen Moore Ordinary Mem. 2 Danielle Chisholm

Chairperson Craig Barrett Vice Chairperson Warren Jackson Secretary Lauren Hill Ordinary Member 1 Janelle Tonkin Ord. Member 2 Hege Ronning-Burns

AUXILIARY

DARWIN

Chairperson James Green Vice Chairp. Vacant Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Melissa Bridgeman Ord. Member 2 Suzanne Seears

Chairperson Michael Valladares Vice Chairperson Nicholas Carter Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Josh Cunningham Ord. Member 2 Jason Conroy

BARKLY

NORTH EASTERN

Chairperson Darryl Beckmann Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Garwood Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Adrian Hertman Ordinary Member 2 Peter Cousins

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Kim Chambers Secretary Brentley Holmes Ord. Member 1 Leighton Arnott Ord. Member 2 Stephen Nalder

BERRIMAH

PALMERSTON

Chairperson Kyle Ferricks Vice Chairperson Tim Hatton Secretary Matt Allen Ordinary Member 1 Alicia Harvey Ord. Member 2 Stephen McWilliams

Chairperson Colin Quedley Vice Chairperson Steve Downie Secretary Adam Goldsmith Ordinary Member 1 Joanna Stephan Ordinary Member 2 Ben Coleman

CASUARINA

SOUTHERN

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Malcom Marshall Secretary Dean Elliott Ordinary Member 1 Bryan Duffy Ordinary Member 2 Anthony Jones

Chairperson Brodie Anderson Vice Chairperson Philip Emmett Secretary Greg Burns Ordinary Member 1 Michael Court Ordinary Member 2 Adam Swift

CENTRAL

SPECIALIST SERVICES

Chairperson Matthew Ridolfi Vice Chairperson Nick Byrne Secretary Jason Dingle Ordinary Member 1 Vacant Ordinary Member 2 John Tickner

Chairperson Neil Mellon Vice Chairperson Vacant Secretary Stuart Short Ord. Member 1 Mark Clemmens Ord. Member 2 Christopher Kilian

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

president's Message PAUL McCUE PRESIDENT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

OWEN BLACKWELL

CHRIS WILSON

NTPA Office

Alyangula Station

Command Training, Alice Springs

CRISPIN GARGAN

VICE PRESIDENT

IAN NANKIVELL

BRETT COTTIER

TREASURER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Darwin Metro Support Division

Serious Crime

Katherine Station

JAKSON EVANS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Katherine Station

MARK TURNER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER DFU Casuarina Police Station

LISA BAYLISS

LEE MORGAN

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Territory Duty Superintendents Professional Standards Command

MATT MARSHALL PATRICK 'PADDY' CARSON EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

PFES College

Territory Intelligence & Security Division

EXECUTIVE SUB COMMITTEE & PANELS 2018/2019 SIMONE PETERKEN MEDAL ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE

Treasurer Crispin Gargan (Chair, Paul McCue, Owen Blackwell, Chris Wilson, Lisa Bayliss, Matt Marshall

Crispin Gargan, Lisa Bayliss

Owen Blackwell (Chair), Brett Cottier, Lee Morgan, Mark Turner, Patrick Carson

INABILITY/DISCIPLINARY APPEALS BOARD

SELECTIONS/TRANSFER PANEL OBSERVERS COMMITTEE

Angela Stringer, Antony Deutrom, Craig Barrett, James Gray-Spence, Jason Blake, Lisa Bayliss, Michael Schumacher, Peter Dash, Stuart Short

Andrea Wyllie, Mark Soligo

Child Abuse Taskforce, PMC

TERRY SIMPSON

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Territory Intelligence & Security Division, Alice Springs

NTPA STAFF MEMBERS

TRAINING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE Paul McCue, Andrea Wyllie, Patrick Carson

INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Paul McCue (Chair), Owen Blackwell, Chris Wilson, Andrea Wyllie, Jakson Evans, Lee Morgan, Lisa Bayliss, Mark Soligo, Simone Peterken

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE

LEGAL ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

WELFARE COMMITTEE

Chris Wilson (Chair), Andrea Wyllie, Brett Cottier, Ian Nankivell, Jakson Evans, Lee Morgan, Mark Turner, Patrick Carson, Terry Simpson

Paul McCue (Chair), Ian Nankivell, Lisa Bayliss, Simone Peterken, Terry Simpson

ANDREA WYLLIE MARK 'SOLLY' SOLIGO KYRRIE BLENKINSOP Industrial Officer

Field Officer

Communications Officer

TESSA PRINGLE

SHANNON TAYLOR

ZOEY KELLAWAY

Executive & Compliance Officer

Temp Administration Officer

Administration Officer

Ian Nankivell, Lee Morgan, Matt Marshall

As at 7 June 2018

06 NT POLICE NEWS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

PROMOTIONS APPEALS BOARD Angela Stringer, Antony Deutrom, Craig Barrett, James Gray-Spence, Jason Blake, Lisa Bayliss, Michael Schumacher, Peter Dash, Stuart Short

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Valuing the Thin Blue Line As we

Delegates as at 5 July 2018

FINANCE COMMITTEE

President Paul McCue recently addressed the Association’s annual conference. This is an edited version of his address following his welcome to guests and delegates.

look out here today at the thin blue line before us, to a group of dedicated and brave people who give their time to not only keep the community safe, but look out for their mates, we say thank you for doing a very difficult job, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The demands on policing across the Territory are ever increasing, and more recently than ever, our members are being asked to meet these demands with the “do more with less ‘messaging. I personally find this term a cop out, because doing more with less actually comes at a cost, and it is coming at a cost of the health and wellbeing of our members.

Today, I will address some of these key points, as well as touch on several key outcomes of our recent full member survey, including how our Association is looking to positively impact our members via increased services.

But first, let’s look at what is being asked of our thin blue line. Minister, your government have seemingly committed our officers to cleaning up much of the burden of our community’s problems, and it is quite evident from feedback in our survey we are now… at breaking point. Following our survey results, our Association more than anyone knows the stress our officers are under, and it is time to start Valuing the Thin Blue Line.

Government policy will always play a part in allocation of police resourcing; however, it must be done in a planned & long term sustainable way, including full and proper consultation. It should not be done with what at times appears day to day interference and overnight knee jerk policy on the run which is crippling your police force, as expectation to satisfy the community outpaces available resources.

Announcing Police Auxiliaries to undertake Point of Sale Intervention duties without as much as a phone call to this Association upset many of your officers. This is not what your government promised leading into the 2016 election, you promised to rebuild trust through consultation.

Trust is built in many ways, and at the heart of it is communicating key changes and proposals to relevant stakeholders. I am not normally a fan of too many quotes I’ve got to say, but this jumped out at me, from Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw:

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”.

Our Association was under no such illusion, and further examples since then have done nothing to change this view. Minister, the burden our members are being placed under through decisions such as ongoing bottle shop duties, Royal Commission recommendations and now School Based Policing, has pushed our members beyond what is achievable. The Commissioner has finite resourcing at his disposal, and your expectations are exceeding the deployable capability.

Your assurance to maximise recruiting was welcome, but how do you do this, and return to budget, a budget which was, among other reasons, exceeded last year on the back of unfunded government policy, such as Point of Sale duties.

You must surely take some of the blame for overtime expenditure, given community expectation quite clearly came at a cost to the police budget. With most Point of Sale duties being done on

Paul McCue President

overtime, at the direction at times of full lock downs, this costs money, money your government did not provide for in the budget. Remember it was the goodwill of our members who worked considerable Point of Sale shifts on their days off, which enabled you to ease community concerns.

Minister I know you are aware of this, our members genuinely care, they volunteer to put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect you and our community. Other departments, however, must contribute financially, and with resourcing, outside of normal business hours.

To give you an indication of the care our members feel, one of our own Executive members recently replied emailed me in response to a night of relentless violence and youth crime in Alice Springs, where he simply said “ït makes me sad to know we have such clear knowledge of what is going to happen, but lack the physical bodies to prevent it”.

This is a common theme with our members.

Commissioner, I want to touch on some positive outcomes that have been achieved in recent years by working together with you. We have seen the reintroduction of the Chaplaincy service in both Darwin and Alice Springs. We have a Peer Support Program up and running with many people trained across the Tri Service, we have three sworn welfare officers across the agency, and we have seen initiatives such as presentations by Dr Kevin Gilmartin, the introduction of the mobile App, Equipt, and the delivery of Mental Health First Aid to many of our members. Bear in mind delegates, none of this was in place just three years ago and much of this resulted on the back of strong advocacy of this Association and a OCTOBER 2018 07

Fromhealth Parliament

President's Message cont’d commitment from the Commissioner to improve welfare services for our members.

Our recent full member survey,only finalised last month, received over 760 responses, the most of any of the 4 x full member surveys conducted since 2009.

Pleasingly this year, over two thirds indicated they had received information or training regarding mental health. This form of commitment is required to break down barriers and we congratulate the department on this.

Sadly, however, despite all this positive work, we are seeing more of our members suffering burn out, mental fatigue and workplace stress. So why is this the case?

In part, ongoing change and instability by the Senior Police Executive have a direct correlation to this problem, and I say this with absolute confidence based on feedback in our survey. I go back to a presentation by Dr Amanda Allisey at our 2016 conference, where she said,

“ïn many instances, organisational stress, such as paperwork, new and everchanging processes and rules were found to be more stressful than that of the job’s operational duties”.

More recently, obvious budget saving measures are already impacting on the mental wellbeing of our members.

Commissioner I cannot, fail to express my absolute disappointment with several recent decisions you must take responsibility for. Just a few short weeks ago, a direction was given to cancel a promotional examination for Senior Constables. This was made just days out from the due date.

While acknowledging our workload for the Police College is extremely high, it was clear this decision was made purely in an effort to save money, and not to appease the College workload. Plain and simple.

Not a thought for the members taking that exam, nor the study they committed to, and how this made them feel, completely undervalued. One officer I spoke with said, “ït certainly did not make me feel like a valued employee”.

Not really to my surprise, this decision, while reversed, reverberated through the entire membership.

08 NT POLICE NEWS

ALCOHOL HARM

I congratulate this government on taking positive steps in attempting to tackle alcohol related harm in our community. It must also be said much of this change has come with bipartisan support, a positive sign for the future in tackling this issue head on.

The Riley Review and subsequent minor amendments to the Liquor Act are a positive step in what I hope to be generational change for all Territorians.

The impact on policing as a result of alcohol related harm is well known, but the heavy lifting has to be shared. This is not just a police issue. Disappointingly, the ineffectiveness of Licencing to monitor compliance is glaring, and those responsible should be held to account, because our members are left to clean up their mess every day, often resulting assaults occurring on the thin blue line.

ASSAULTS

Recent survey results demonstrated 25 percent of our members reported being assaulted between 1-3 times per year.

Worryingly though, were the number of times an assault was not reported, with those figures placing our assaults on police at in excess of one per day.

This worrying trend has already been discussed with the Attorney General, who has demonstrated a willingness to discuss improved provisions in the Sentencing Act for anyone who assaults police, and we will continue to advocate for higher penalties in this area in recognition of the tough job our frontline workers do.

Commissioner, it is appalling, that we still see an acceptance to allow our officers to be left alone on the frontline. A police officer on the frontline should Never Work Alone, and despite a recognised significant risk to their safety, you still allow this to occur. Our lives matter, our wellbeing matters, and our families want us home at the end of each and every shift.

We should Never Work Alone, and it is still happening.

Today we seek a commitment to urgently commence work with our Association on a fully funded and sustainable model of policing which negates our frontline being forced to work alone.

Finally, I look internally within our organisation, which in 2019 will proudly celebrate its 80th year protecting and improving working conditions for police in the NT.

Our survey will work as a measure to direct the Executive strategically in the coming years, but it has demonstrated we are on the right track. We look to continually improve our reach to members and recognise the changing landscape in which they operate in. Expectations and mobile service delivery are a key focus as we look ahead and move away from traditional touch point methods.

Much of this can only be achieved, however, with the hard work of our full time staff and I wish to thank them for their continued hard work and dedication to achieving our objectives and purpose.

I also thank the following people and organisations who continue to support the members: • The Executive of the NTPA and the Regional Delegates for their continued hard work as representatives of our membership. Your work is incredibly valuable, in your capacity of looking out for your mates.

• Our long term major partners, Police Credit Union, Police Health and Fleet Network. The work of these organisations in looking out for police in the NT is second to none, and we genuinely appreciate our long term partnership with you all.

• Our Legal Partner Tindal Gask Bentley, specifically Tori based here in Darwin and Luke from Adelaide.

There are many more of course, but we need to move on and formally open our conference. I thank you for the opportunity to address you today delegates, and I will finish with a quote I heard recently from former NT and AFP Commissioner Mick Palmer, as he referred to the report on PTSD in First Responders:

‘The Challenge for Leaders is to ensure they understand the risks, and as far as humanly possible, do not meet public demand at the expense of the health and wellbeing of their own people”.

Hon. Nicole Manison MLA

Lia Finocchiaro MLA

Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Police

Deputy Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister for Police

Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you for the tremendous job you do day-in, day-out.

I’m just a couple of months into the role but I’ve already been fortunate enough to visit 20 police stations across the Territory, and I’d like to thank all those officers who gave their time, and provided frank and honest advice about the situation on the ground.

The openness I have been met with in bigger urban stations and also out in the bush has been both refreshing and informative.

There is no doubt that policing is a tough job. But I have been so impressed by the passion and dedication officers have told me they have for their job and that they are proud police members because they know they can make a positive difference in the lives of Territorians.

As Police Minister I intend making these visits to stations across the NT a regular part of my annual calendar.

Since coming to government, we have invested in a record police budget and we’re boosting your resources. We have almost completed the recruitment of the extra 120 police, we are putting more efforts into combatting alcohol and 18 of the new 75 police auxiliary liquor inspectors have started work already, we are building the new $30 million Palmerston Police Station, and we are continuing to roll out more CCTV. We will keep investing in the resources that police need to help you do your jobs. I will also be making remote policing and the challenges out bush one of my top priorities.

I would like to acknowledge NTPA President Paul McCue and his executive team. I’ve already had a couple of meetings with them and I know how important it will be for me to work closely with the NTPA. One thing I’ve told Paul, and I’d like also tell you is that there will be no cut to the record Police budget – I know how hard you all work and you deserve the full support of the Northern Territory Government, and that’s what you will get.

I have told the Police Commissioner that he must work to stay within that record budget, and that’s same message given to the Chief Executive of every department, given the tough financial pressures the NT is under due to massive drops in the GST. I know this is a tough ask for police given the operational demands you have and how critical the work that you do is.

I also want to give you some assurances about your housing allowance. As long as I am Police Minister, I will not allow the Northern Territory Police housing allowance to become part of any future enterprise agreement negotiations.

And I also want to be clear that we will not be cutting housing allowance to members who receive the housing allowance now. That will stay in place for those members.

I do think there is a question that can be considered for future members on whether housing allowance in the greater Darwin area creates a disincentive for people heading out of town for positions in our regional and remote stations.

But I have to stress that these are the types of conversations we will have with the Association and we will not act in isolation of members.

I look forward to meeting many more of you over the coming months and years.

And again, I thank you for your hard work serving and protecting Territorians.

The Opposition

unequivocally supports the Northern Territory Police and commends the demanding and often thankless service that officers provide to all Territorians on a daily basis. We would like to thank every member of the Police Force for choosing to serve and protect Territorians and for having the courage and determination to put on a uniform every day to make our community a better place.

Gary and I were privileged to attend the 2018 Northern Territory Police Association Annual Conference a few weeks ago and reconfirm our commitment to providing Territory Police with the resources, support and funding that they need to do their jobs without fear or favour.

We are at a turning point in the Territory and the role that the Police Force plays has never been more important. Crime is at historic levels, Police are being asked to take on ever expanding responsibilities and morale is at an all-time low.

Given this backdrop, the budget cuts that have been flagged by the Labor Government are extremely misguided. Gary and I were shocked and appalled to learn that Police were being asked to shave $30 million from their budget, yet given an ever increasing list of responsibilities.

We cannot continue to pile more and more responsibility on front-line Police, while simultaneously attempting to pinch pennies and cut corners. Police also cannot continue to be hobbled by this Labor Government’s policy-on-the-run which acts as an impediment to officers being able to do their job in a manner consistent with community expectations.

Police understand the problems that the Territory faces with crime and criminal behaviour and we should be listening to them for the solutions.

There needs to be a whole of Government approach to some of the issues we are facing in the Territory.

For too long the Police Force has been leaned on by successive governments to undertake ever expanding responsibilities. Continuing with this theme is unrealistic, unsustainable and ultimately not in the best interests of Territorians.

There is no question in our mind that policing is a demand-driven business and the Opposition is committed to providing our Police with all of the tools and support they need to do their job safely, properly and with the best possible conditions.

As Territorians, we want to see this place thrive. We want others to enjoy our enviable lifestyle, participate in our economy and understand that this is the place of opportunity. To achieve the big aspirations we have for the Territory, we must support the hardworking people who are the glue holding our communities together.

OCTOBER 2018 09

Field officer's report

Hello once again from the Field Officer Department, or should that be the Northern Field Officer Department. Members will no doubt have seen some recent advertising for a second NTPA Field Officer to be employed and be based in Alice Springs.

Mark 'Solly' Soligo Field Officer

Another Field Officer to share the load

The NTPA Executive’s intention is that the Southern FO will take on responsibilties for all stations from Elliott south, and I will retain all stations north of there. We will share the assistance that we provide to the Industrial Officer on Industrial, disciplinary and other matters and each will be responsible for housing related matters in our areas. It will be exciting times and whoever the successful applicant is, I welcome them to the fold. Maybe by the time your reading this we will have our new FO in place (and they can write the next article).

I have been very busy over the first half of 2018 and there has been a lot going on, including the development and start of the new Police Auxiliaries performing Liquor Inspector duties (PALI’s) (more on that down the page). The Remote and Regional Working Group, the Roster Working Group (part of Project Versa), as well as what seemed like an increasing number of disiplinary and industrial matters.

In mid August we held the 2018 NTPA Annual Confrence here in Darwin. I want to thank all Regional Delegates who attended activley representing your members on behalf of your regions. There was certainly some robust discussion, thoughts and ideas generated over the three days.

As we approach the final quarter of the year we are about to start preparing for the next Consent Agreement with negotiations for the 2019 CA due to commence in February.

The President and I often joke that 2017 was a blurr and wonder where the year went, thanks to the last CA. 2018 is not looking much different, and I suspect 2019 may well be the same. The fun never ends.

#NEVERWORKALONE

Members may have seen our messaging and branding with the hashtag #NeverWorkAlone. It was a strong theme during this year’s NTPA Annual Conference, has featured in print advertising supporting members and then there are those blue and green stickers that keep popping up everywhere.

Your association is increasingly concerned by the growing incidents of members being left to work one up, alone at remote stations. The challenges of filling bush stations both permanently or with relief members never seems to ease.

Some remote stations continue to be closed with staff redirected to other locations for extended periods, and from some individuals managing Remote Stations, there is an expectation for members to be working ‘one up’. We know 10 NT POLICE NEWS

of many instances where members have been left alone one up at remote stations for weeks at a time. When we become aware, we act.

One of the biggest things to come out of the Remote and Regional Working Party is the fact that remote is suffering.

Staff shortages, vacancies, ever-increasing expectation that Police will be available to respond to everything 24/7, fatigue management, lack of available relief members etc. the list goes on. Working alone is just a symptom of all of that.

In 2018 working alone is simply not acceptable at a remote station for any period more than a day or two at most, simple.

It is dangerous and places our members in unnecessary risk both physically and mentally. It’s all very well to say, ‘it will be right’, ‘use common sense’ etc, but we all know that Policing, particularly bush Policing, is a dynamic environment and situations can change quickly.

Maybe it time to start thinking of alternate staffing models, minimum staffing agreements and a commitment from Senior Police that members will #NeverWorkAlone

If you are working alone, have been rostered one-up or know of someone who has, email us at memberservices@ntpa.com.au or ring the office 08 8995 9520.

WELCOME PALI’S – POINT OF SALE INTERVENTIONS

In August the first squad of Police Auxiliaries employed to perform ‘Liquor Inspector’ duties at bottle shops (referred to as PALI’s by Govt and the Department) graduated from a 12week training course. The course was held in Alice Springs as all these members will be employed in Alice. They are the first of 75 so called PALI’s announced by the Government (with little to no consultation with the NTPA I might add).

Let there be no mistake. The role that they are performing is Frontline Policing, clear and simple. They are working one up, out in public in an uncontrolled environment where they are being asked to enforce the law and deal with the result of their enforcement actions. You only have to look at the number of incidents and assaults on our members that have occurred at Bottle Shops, particularly in Alice Springs, in the past few years to know that this is not a front-line support role as the Department would like to call it.

I travelled to Alice and met with these members several times during their training course and again during their first few days on the job to gauge how it was all going, clear up any issues and ensure that they had all the necessary support they needed. The following is in no way a criticism of the PALI members, the members charged with training them, mentoring or supervising them, but, it was so evident from day one that there were many issues. There were not enough radio’s. tasers or members to supervise them, but worst of all was that no one seemed to have any idea what powers the PALI’s had or didn’t have. This to me seem to be the most important issue of all.

It was pointless them being mentored by experience Constables, if the Constables didn’t know the extent of powers afforded to the PALI’s.

I welcome our new Police Auxiliary members to the job and to their new role and wish them well in their duties, in what is going to be an extremely challenging time for them. Stay safe. #NeverWorkAlone (yep there it is again).

Finally, I want to offer my personal congratulations to Kylie Anderson for her Life Membership of the NTPA. It was Kylie who early on in my NT Police career, encouraged me to be involved and play an active part in the Association, as a Regional Delegate. It’s a well-deserved award.

When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.

Ronald Reagan

Mark ‘Solly’ Soligo, NTPA Field Officer mark.soligo@ntpa.com.au phone 08 8995 9520 or 0428 881 652 Top: Solly reading the Police Ode at conference; bottom right and left: Visiting the new PALI’s in Alice Springs

OCTOBER 2018 11

Industrial

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Culture as: “The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time…..the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.”

Andrea Wyllie Industrial Officer

The use of Part IV

There have been so many references as of late being made to the “culture” within the Northern Territory Police Force and how after several “cultural reviews” it has been found that there are “cultural issues” within several work areas within the NT police force, that I, along with most of the officers who I speak to have become completely numb to the use of the word “culture” and any refence to it now requires an immediate eye roll followed by just a touch of anger and frustration.

Every organisation goes through phases where they have a buzzword that is used to explain why they are doing the things they are doing and to try and promote what they would like to achieve. This is nothing new, however what other organisations tend to do is follow up the use of the buzzword with outcomes that are tangible and clearly visible to those being affected by the changes.

To date the only glaringly obvious outcomes and changes that have clearly and visibly been put in place because of the NT Police “cultural reviews” is that a very big stick is being waived around and many dedicated, hardworking, experienced NT Coppers are getting whacked with it. Now don’t get me wrong, the Association does not condone or support behaviour that is against the code of conduct or in breach of any regulation, that is not where the issue appears to be lying. It is the way it is being managed that is where the gripe is.

Yes, I am relatively new to the NT Police family so my view of the ways things are happening might be questioned by some…. But when I am hearing almost daily from long serving dedicated NT coppers that things have never been like this before and things have never been so bad I feel my opinion is valid and I know some of my sentiments if not all are being felt by a vast majority of our members.

The methodology that members feel is being adapted is one where shots are fired first then questions are asked later, and it is this approach that has left many officers wondering where the integrity in the force has gone. There appears to be a step that is desperately missing between an officer being accused of doing something wrong and them being issued with a section 79 notice. The absence of basic human resource management that is being displayed is a big part of the problem, but this is understandable due to the complete lack of training that gets provided to an officer before they step into a supervisory role. The “go to card” seems to be straight to Part IV, when in most instances had an officer been pulled aside and spoke to about some of the issues the matter could have been resolved effectively without having to put

12 NT POLICE NEWS

the process out- surely once it has been deemed an allegation is worthy of such a harsh process the ducks should be lined up in a row prior to the notice even being served on a member and preparations should be in place to ensure that the next steps are ready to be taken without delay. The Commissioner himself has stressed the importance of only making decisions based on having strong- solid and tangible evidence in front of you. Decisions should be intelligence informed, evidence based, and values led.

It’s the “not knowing what’s going on, or what’s going to happen next” that sends many of our members over the edge, and in some instances that edge is really, really hard to get back from. The NT is a relatively small force, word spreads quickly, and members who are left hanging and waiting for an outcome know that a vast majority of their fellow officers know about some part of the allegations. They find themselves being approached daily by co-workers who are willing to offer their opinion about what’s going on and many report back

saying they feel like they are constantly being watched and talked about. They start to second guess everything they are doing and have ever done throughout their career and wonder how things ever got to be that way in the first place disillusioned is a word that sums the sentiment up, along with anger and frustration, and how do you come back unscathed from feeling that way? I don’t know the answer because the fear is always going to be there that when you least expect it the big stick will appear again, and the truth is your fear is well founded.

With all of this in mind , I’d like to try and end it on a positive note and say that the Association has been advised that the review of Part IV has apparently been progressing and that this may bring about some changes and reform to how this process is being managed, we shall wait with baited breath, and in the mean time we will keep stumbling through the growing number of Part IV processes that are currently in place and try and pick up the pieces at the end of it all best we can.

someone through the wringer and completely shatter their faith and confidence in the force.

I have seen firsthand so many members being subjected to Part IV in a long drawn out process only at the end of it all to be either returned to their workplace from where they had been immediately 14B’d out of when the allegations were made, side stepped into a different work area, or are still out on personal leave due to the stress of having to go through the “experience”. The end result is that so many dedicated and hardworking officers have had their dedication and integrity questioned, their reputations ruined and their faith in the force has been tainted.

I have seen the complete devastation that a member goes through when being subjected to any action involving Part IV of the PAA.

The complete lack of obvious consideration being shown to our members when an alleged breach of discipline is served upon them is something that I still cannot get my head around.

The complete lack of obvious consideration being shown to our members when an alleged breach of discipline is served upon them is something that I still cannot get my head around.

Members have been left hanging and waiting for extended periods of time wondering what is going to happen next, the whole time questioning how or why the alleged breaches even got that far and this is nothing short of torture. The impact this has on both the officer, their family and friends is far reaching and hard to swallow.

There have been several members who are long serving career coppers dedicated to their job who are now left pondering how a force that they have given so much of their life to can treat them with complete disregard- the most common phrase I hear is “if they are going to give me a whackthen just do it, tell me what I did wrong- tell me what I need to do to improve and let me get on with my job” Again, don’t get me wrong, I want those who are investigating these alleged breaches of discipline to ensure they are getting it right, but what I don’t get is why once a member’s response has been provided there is a need to drag

OCTOBER 2018 13

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• had difficulties sleeping (e.g. had bad dreams, or found it hard to fall or stay asleep)

2. Being overly alert or wound up – The person experiences sleeping difficulties, irritability and lack of concentration, becoming easily startled and constantly on the lookout for signs of danger.

• felt on guard or vigilant

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Annual conference

The conference welcomed delegates from our 12 regions across the Territory, together with NTPA Executive members, sponsors and guest speakers.

While focused on the thinning blue line, a clear focus was placed on the pressure resulting from the return to budget strategies we are now seeing affecting decision makers across the board.

DAY 1 – EXECUTIVE & DELEGATE DAY

President Paul McCue addresses the conference

Annual conference 2018

Valuing the Thin Blue Line Budget constraints, lack of resourcing and an ever-increasing demand on policing were key points discussed at this year’s NTPA Annual Conference.

This, and the 2018 full member survey were the focus of this year’s conference, where delegates were provided the opportunity to discuss at length the key outcomes from the survey which are affecting our members every day.

16 NT POLICE NEWS

Wednesday 15 August saw delegates gather to review the outcomes of the full member survey, the first held since 2015, and the 4th overall since 2009. Consistent questioning from the 4 surveys conducted to date now provides clear evidence of trends in policing in the NT from your perspective.

While this edition of the Police News has a separate report on the survey, what was clearly evident from the survey, with the most responses ever received (761), was ever increasing level of dissatisfaction with promotional courses and training opportunities, increasing level in dissatisfaction with senior management and an overwhelming feeling of too much government interference in day to day policing operations.

Please refer to page 20 for further information on the 2018-member survey.

Field Officer Mark Soligo and Industrial Officer Andrea Wyllie then provided delegates with an updated summary of delegates roles and responsibilities, with a focus on regional meetings and assisting delegates with members in discipline matters.

That afternoon, Commissioner Kershaw, Deputy Commissioner Nicholls and Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy once again participated in a panel session for delegates. Delegates used the opportunity to seek clarification on a variety of maters, including the ongoing delays to the review into the discipline system, the negative effects Part IV action is having to the mental and physical wellbeing of our members, and how the return to budget measures are affecting the rank and file.

Of note was the frustration from delegates at recent decisions, such as the cancellation of a senior constable RKE for budgetary reasons (later reversed), despite the launch of Strategy 2023 which references principles for decision making.

DAY 2 – OFFICIAL OPENING

The official opening for conference commenced with a welcome to country by ACPO 1/C Natasha Gregory, the police prayer from Chaplain Pat King and the police ode from Field Officer Mark Soligo.

President Paul McCue then welcomed invited guests, Executive and delegates to conference at a time when our thin blue line is being asked to do more with less. It was timely as the thin blue line of uniforms sat before Minster for Police the Honourable Nicole Manison MLA, Opposition Leader Gary Higgins MLA, Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM and Shadow Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro MLA, to express how the effect of increasing demands on policing is having on the mental and physical wellbeing of our members.

Paul McCue said, ït is quite evident from feedback in our survey we are now at breaking point”, a message delivered loud and clear. In addition, the President continued to express the appalling position which continues in deployment of police alone, at bottle shops and in remote stations.

“Commissioner, it is appalling, however, that we still see an acceptance to allow our officers to be left alone on the frontline. A police officer on the frontline should Never Work

Top: Delegates at the annual conference; bottom left: Leader of the Opposition, Gary Higgins MLA; Bottom right: Commissioner of Police, Reece P Kershaw APM

Alone, and despite a recognised significant risk to their safety, you still allow this to occur”, Mr McCue said.

The President also highlighted the negative impact the return to budget measures were having to the frontline, with the message that some responsibility for budget overspend should be placed on unfunded government policy, such as bottle shops duties.

The President’s address can be seen on page 7.

Newly appointed Minister for Police, the Honourable Nicole Manison MLA, then addressed conference and thanked members both in major centres and our remote areas for their dedication to keeping our community safe.

While acknowledging the work of the NTPA and all members, the Minister acknowledged the need for difficult conversations in what is a tough economic environment, given the reduction in GST revenue and other pressures on government spending.

A commitment was also made to ensure any discussions on housing entitlements for police will not be included in general bargaining processes and providing reassurance there is no intention to alter housing conditions for current serving members.

A focus for the Minister was remote policing, with the acceptance that much needs to be done to support those members who put their hand up to work in some of our remote parts of the Territory. Additionally, a commitment

OCTOBER 2018 17

Annual conference 2018

Annual conference 2018

Valuing the Thin Blue Line cont’d

Conference Dinner

Life Membership Left: ACPO 1/C Natasha Gregory; middle: Senior Auxiliary Sue Seears; right: Minister for Police, The Hon Nicole Manison MLA

to open and frank discussions was welcomed, with regular catch-ups with the President and representatives of the NTPA. Opposition Leader, Mr Gary Higgins MLA, again supported ensuring appropriate resourcing existed for police, and all the necessary equipment must be available for them to carry out their role safely and securely.

Mr Higgins expressed concern about return to budget measures and the impact this will have on the rank and file over the coming three years and outlined the need to allow police to make decisions on policing, free of interference from government.

The official opening concluded with Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM highlighting how (historically) police were “resourceful, committed, and innovative”, and how these attributes are still relevant in today’s policing.

Mr Kershaw also outlined that we now ‘live and operate in a complex and ever-changing environment”, and that change “has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind”.

Mr Kershaw stressed how difficult change was but firmly believes we are now in a better equipped environment with a “greater focus on mental and physical health and safety of our frontline, than ever before”.

Mr Kershaw then outlined key initiatives and projects completed, or underway before outlining the introduction of the NTPFES Leadership and Management Pathway, based on the needs from frontline through to management. A summary of the new strategic direction (Strategy 2023) was provided to delegates with a link to upholding the traditions and values of being a bush cop by being resourceful, innovative and adaptive.

Following general conference business, delegates were provided presentations by Mr John Schumann on the PFA National Wellbeing Campaign followed by former Commissioner Mick Palmer AO, APM as he spoke to the report When Helping Hurts, PTSD in First Responders.

18 NT POLICE NEWS

Mr Kershaw ... firmly believes we are now in a better equipped environment with a “greater focus on mental and physical health and safety of our frontline, than ever before”.

DAY 3 – FINAL DAY

Kicking off the final day was PFA representative Mr Scott Weber, as he updated delegates on PFA business including the upcoming Police Week activities in Canberra, including the inaugural Police Bravery Awards, an award for police, by police.

This was followed by a presentation by Luke Officer, Senior Associate with TGB Lawyers, on the introduction of the ICAC in the Northern Territory, before the Attorney General, the Honourable Natasha Fyles MLA, provided an update on the NT Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review as she answered questions from the floor on this important issue.

The final day concluded with the following presentations: • NT Police Legacy update, Senior Constable 1/C Kiim Parnell • Tactical Plain Clothes Presentation, Sally Major from Covertact • Retired Police Association NT update, Dr Gary Manison APM • NTGPASS reforms, A/Commissioner for Superannuation Mr Jim Richards • Industrial outcomes, Ms Andrea Wyllie, NTPA Industrial Officer As always, the 2018 Annual Conference was proudly supported by long term partners, Fleet Network, Police Health and Police Credit Union.

2018 Meritorious Service Award The Meritorious Service Award is awarded to a person who has made such a significant contribution, to either this Association or policing in the Northern Territory generally.

At this year's conference dinner, President Paul McCue was pleased to announce Senior Constable 1/C Steve Haig as this year’s recipient, following his hard work in highlighting outcomes court cases involving assaults to police.

Steve is currently attached to the Alice Springs Prosecution Unit and is the Health & Safety Representative for the Southern Region. Steve has also previously represented the NTPA as a delegate in that region.

He joined the police in February 2007, and in more recent times has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of how a powerful Victim Impact Statement can positively impact on the length of any sentence imposed on an offender relating to an assault police matter, resulting in the NTPA issuing advice to all members.

Much of the information provided by Steve has resulted in a greater evidence-based approach for NTPA representatives when discussing these important issues with our key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Minister for Police and the Attorney General.

Steve continues to provide active feedback to the NTPA which has an overall positive impact on all police across the Territory. He remains very active in driving positive change for all NT Police and is very passionate about increasing penalties for anyone found guilty of assaulting a police officer.

We congratulate Steve on being this year’s recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.

Kylie Anderson, or Ando to many of her friends, was honoured with Life Membership of our Association at conference this year.

It was with great pleasure President Paul McCue presented this prestigious honour to Kylie at the conference dinner, before many of her closest friends and colleagues.

From early on in her career, Kylie has been involved as a NTPA representative in either a delegate or Executive capacity, only recently standing down from the Executive after 12 years of dedicated service to improving outcomes for members throughout the Territory.

Kylie has worked in most major and many remote areas of the Northern Territory, providing valuable firsthand experience to the challenges faced by our members across the Territory. As an Executive member, she has strived to be available for all members as an access point to assist in addressing workplace or personal issues and was passionate about the welfare of members and ensuring that they were aware of and knew how to access their entitlements.

In addition to all of the above, she is and remains highly regarded on a national level through her work with the Police Federation of Australia (PFA).

Kylie was a representative on the PFA’s Women's Advisory Committee (PFA WAC) from 2007 to 2018, some 11 years.

The charter of the PFA WAC is to provide advice to the PFA Executive on strategies to increase women participation in unions given the importance of Police Associations / Unions having elected members reflective of the diverse group of members they represent.

The Committee also provides a great platform to progress a range of issues affecting both women and men within all Australian Policing jurisdictions. The Committee has advocated on a range of issues including affordable access to 24-hour child care services for operational police officers and family friendly employment options.

In receiving this award, Kylie becomes just the second female recipient, and 17th overall, in our long and proud 79-year history.

Congratulations Ando!

OCTOBER 2018 19

member survey

2018 Member Survey Full member surveys are conducted every 3 years, and this year we undertook our 4th such survey since 2009.

WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY…

The survey is independently facilitated to gauge members perceptions and experiences of the Associations services, attitudes towards management, working conditions and topical issues.

The results of the 2018 survey will help your Association deliver services relevant to members needs and guide and evidence based approached to lobbying and advocacy on behalf of its members. Most of questions have been repeated in each of the previous surveys, allowing for tracking of trends against baseline data.

This year, the survey ran from 12 June to 17 July, and attracted the most responses of any survey to date, with 761 or just over 50 percent of the membership responding. We thank you for high response rate which provides us significant data to use in the coming years.

The survey provided some clear hot topics with one of the most commented on being a lack of faith and frustration with the promotional system, with an increase in members saying they are not seeking promotion.

• Reliant on rote learning • Do not measure aptitude, workplace performance and leadership abilities • Inordinately high failure rates • Lack of feedback • L ack of support in preparing for promotional exams

with NTPA services including conduct of last CA

20 NT POLICE NEWS

of members received information and /or training on mental health

Members would like more workplace visits from NTPA

• Not merit based

INCREASED SATISFACTION

44%

welfare services

Other key themes on promotions include:

OTHER KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

Major regions to respond were BERRIMAH, DARWIN and SOUTHERN

63%

Increased use of

of members believe there are not enough police numbers overall. This is very consistent with face to face feedback on station visits.

of members believe morale in the workplace is low or very low

75%

of members have no confidence in the promotion system

78%

of members believe there are not enough professional development opportunities

77%

of respondents were Constable to Sergeant rank

of members stated housing entitlements were important or very important to them

An assault occurs on our members at the rate of 1 per day, with only 75% being reported

The survey results are an important tool in setting both the strategic direction of the NTPA and for evidence in our discussions with government and the Commissioner.

A summary of the survey will be available soon on the website and your local delegates will be provided with a copy for your reference.

Increased negative comments regarding interference from government in day to day policing

Increase in negative commentary regarding a lack of separation of powers

We thank those members who participated in the survey and if you have any questions, please email memberservices@ntpa.com.au

OCTOBER 2018 21

In Memory

Vale Barney Noonan RETIRED SENIOR CONSTABLE 1390 In memory of the recent sad passing of Barney Noonan, please read an article published when Barney retired in 2007. RIP Barney.

By Hayley Dwyer

external appearance, Barney is one of the most caring and perceptive members that I’ve the had pleasure of serving with,” Senior Constable William said Senior Constable Richard Cheal, Thomas ‘Barney’ Noonan who was the master of ceremonies. retired this month after “His care towards fellow members 23 years of service. and their respective families continued long after he had knocked off for the day. Many a courtesy phone call to the families of ‘absent-on-patrol’ members Barney Noonan joined the NT Police have been made by Barney over the past on 7 February 1983 and completed his 19 years. Sadly, this trait of looking after training in Darwin. He went on to General each other is severely lacking in today’s Duties in Darwin and then in 1984 moved modern police force. Perhaps this is to Katherine and continued there until how Polly Russell came to give Barney a relieving opportunity at Hooker Creek the title of the section ‘social welfare A contingent of serving and retired came up on Boxing Day 1984. The job worker’, not only to fellow members NT Police members visited Barney in evolved to formal gazettal after Barney and families but also to the fishermen Melbourne earlier this year. applied for the second in charge position. he dealt with,“ he said.

Barney became a valued member a result of his outstanding surveillance He later did stints as the OIC of the Hooker Creek Police Station. As Barney tells of the land-based patrols in MFES, efforts.

He has always been a person willing to it: “the only member to come through undertaking back-to-back 10-day patrols and visit was Glen Lynch – no one came deep into Arnhem Land during his go the extra hard yards. Often chest deep early days. Rumour has it that Barney’s in saltwater in amongst a few mangroves through Hooker in those days.”

After a period of undercover work for willingness to get the job done came to with video camera in hand–Barney was a the Combined Drug Enforcement Unit, he an abrupt halt when Mrs Noonan fronted (nervous) specialist–just to ‘get the pinch’. was gazetted to the Marine and Fisheries the then Officer in Charge, Sgt Henshaw. A known handyman, as long as Bunnings Barney’s forays were temporarily had pallets of silastic and liquid nails Enforcement Section in April 1988.

Commissioner Paul White attended curtailed until some formal workplace Barney could repair everything from Barney’s farewell morning tea on agreements were put into place between broken esky hinges to rebuilds on boat 16 August and heard about a man famous Mrs Noonan and Sgt Henshaw. Allegedly, engines. For many years, he has kept the for his quick wit and never ending good the rosters were then faxed to Mrs fisheries fleet refuelled, repaired, and sense of humour who is affectionately Noonan for her approval before they operationally afloat, a fulltime job. “I’ve were officially posted by the OIC. This enjoyed my time with the NT Police known as the ‘heart and soul of fisheries’. immensely”, said Barney.

“Despite his unkempt, mean and gruff practice continued until recent times.

Sadly for his colleagues they will In 1996 there was a changing no longer be entertained by his daily of the guard, with bellowing as he struggled to sign on Barney coming to his computer. To his credit, he never under the care stopped trying to better his PC skills of Roger Ilett and and tried to keep up with the rapidly Brian Harrison. This changing technology.

Barney is taking leave until his official saw Barney back out in the never- retirement in April 2007. He will be doing never as a ‘Toyota some odd jobs around his house and Tourist’ or land- looking after his three children. He hopes based fisheries to remain in the Territory for a while and officer. Intelligence- will no doubt be seen loitering at the based policing Casuarina Club from time to time.

Senior Constable Richard Cheal was adopted in MFES at about that summed up the proceedings nicely: time and Barney “So long young fella and remember the was involved in section motto: Never Look Back.Pectoris apprehensions and et animaeprocul piscatus – the heart CoP Paul White congratulates Barney on his retirement boat seizures as and soul of fisheries.”

22 NT POLICE NEWS

(Thanks to Richard Cheal for his contribution to this story)

Vale Geoffrey John Sullivan Retired Senior Sergeant 1194

By Roderick Poore, current serving member 1153 It is with pleasure and privilege, amongst the sorrow, that I report on the funeral & wake of “Big Sully”, former long-term executive member and Vice President of the NTPA.

I was tasked by Margie McArdle, Tom and Jimmy Sullivan to be one of the pallbearers at the funeral and MC at the wake, which was held at the South Toowoomba golf club, where Sully was a member.

Sully had suffered a bad accident in March, and was left with a crushed a vertebrae in his back.

I received a phone call from Gra Williams, from Victoria, on the 4th of April that Geoff had passed away. I also noticed that there was a missed call from Margie and called both in disbelief.

I was overwhelmed by the number of attendees at St Patricks Cathedral. There were serving and former members of the Force, along with Leyburn and Toowoomba locals (Geoff was born and raised in Toowoomba), plus Sully’s relatives.

In no particular order, there was: Rob and Belinda Farmer, Graeme and Leeanne Richardson, Trevor and Margaret Wardrope, Mick Boldiston, Bob Bradford, Roger Jeffrey, Nic Hambleton, Christine Goodger, Craig Baird, Tony Barton, Darren Edwards, Paul Mannuel, Margie of course, Greg “Goobs” Walker, Matt Sodoli, Andy Smith, Wayne “Tex” and Michelle Meecham, and according to Rog, Phil Dredge made a brief appearance at the church.

The service was a respectful event with Tom, Andy, Rob, Sully’s only surviving sister Denise and Father Hal Ranger all giving nice speeches. The music chosen was superb and reflective of Geoff’s life & interests.

We laid him to rest close to his younger sister and parents.

‘Danny Boy’ was played. Geoff was a great singer and had a marvellous voice.

He would sing at places like the saving of Don Eaton’s wedding reception and many police funerals.

At the wake, there were some nice and lengthy text messages from Don Eaton, Gowan Carter, Wayne Harris and others.

Don would have attended, but the day of Geoff’s funeral was also his uplift from Tennant to Alice.

The ‘Roast and Toast’ sessions were quite humorous and lengthy. I heard stories that even I was unaware of about Geoff.

Reflecting back Sully, Don and Rog all joined together on squad 34/81. I had previously joined with 33/80 and grew up with Don as teenagers in Melbourne.

I met Sully at the Darwin Police club, on Cavenagh St, when I went looking for Don. They were still in training and was on a trip with Norforce to Darwin.

Later, Sully and I would work together in Alice Springs, Yuendumu, Palmerston and Katherine. We would also back each other up on call outs when visiting each other at Ayers Rock, Tennant Creek and Port Keats.

I was best man for Geoff & Andrea at their wedding and Godfather to Jimmy.

Geoff was best man at my first wedding to Vanessa and also attended my second to Rhen.

Even in retirement, Geoff was a caring gossip, ringing old mates all over Australia passing on news and tidbits to all and sundry. It’s going to leave a big void for me and everyone else, not to catch up with him and everyone else’s news each week, let alone the humour, the brilliant storytelling and shenanigans we would get up to.

I was turning 60 in May and would’ve loved for Sully and Margie to come to stay with us at Palmerston. It would have been great for them to see the huge additions to the town since the days when there were four suburbs, before we both went to Katherine and beyond. Sully was at my party in spirit at least.

Sully was one of the first four ‘originals’ to work at Palmy, along with Fred Glazebrook, Craig Chenhall & the legendary Fluffy Williams. The station took up only half the video shop that is still there today and when we moved, we had a staff of 33 including CIB, Traffic and Stock Squad, all squeezed into that little shopfront under the water tower.

Whilst he dodged the Yuendumu riots of July ’82 (I was relieving for him), he had many special contributions, including his service at Port Keats. At the time, it was a four-man station.

This was before the gun buy-back and all the locals had firearms. They even tried to shoot-down the Police aircraft, containing TRG members who were flying in to relieve, following a number of sieges at the Police Station. I was there for one Christmas off-duty (supposedly).

It is a tribute to Andrea, Margie and the boys, to have lived with his difficult behaviours, which were not Sully’s but PTSD behaviours, despite all his talent, bravery, caring & humour. Let this be a reminder to you all that if Geoff Sullivan was vulnerable, as we all are.

I also remember when Sully was once disciplined by Tony Godwin and referred to as a ‘rebel without a cause’.

He was placed on Alice Mall patrol with Gert Johnson, they responded by averaging 100pc’s per day, in an 8-hour shift, for over a year. Alice Springs CIB complained that crime was down 25 percent during that period.

Later Geoff would transfer to Darwin and qualify as a respected detective. He then moved on to Katherine and back to Alice Springs, before returning to Darwin as a Watch Commander.

At his wake I described him as the Keith Miller of policing and leadership by example – a champion all-rounder.

I know Sully would have been happy with this, despite him not knowing a lot about cricket or AFL. But he was in awe of the great Miller for both his sporting and Battle of Britain achievements.

Finally, Geoff was always impressed with the new NT Police leather dress belts and I had always meant to get him one. Of course, our sizes were miles apart, however I made a point of giving mine to Margie for her and the boys to cherish.

Thanks for your time and energy.

OCTOBER 2018 23

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Glen Huitson

Good morning and thank you all for gathering

Remembering a great bloke President Paul McCue spoke at a gather of friends and family who came together to remember Glen Huitson, 19 years ago.

here today for this most significant service as it is again heart-warming to see so many people here to remember one of our own.

I particularly acknowledge those familiar faces, the many women, men and children who return year on year to remember this great bloke.

It is also again pleasing today to see some of our newest members, with a few of our current recruits coming here today on their own time to experience something perhaps for the first time, something that will stay with you for many years to come. While many of our newest members will never have known Huey, they will soon understand what he, and many of us stand for. Mate ship.

It hard to believe it has been some 19 years since Glen’s life was taken just near this site in tragic circumstances. As former Assistant Commissioner John Daulby said to former President Vince Kelly, “we must not forget what happened that day out there - we lost one of ours”. Again, I hope today’s service reinforces those sentiments.

When Glen set off to work on 3 August 1999 his wife Lisa and the kids, Joe and Ruby, were not to know that the tragedy of Glen’s death was about to unfold - that he would be taken from his family forever. None of us know really when your last shift will be, and we say goodbye each day to our families as we head to work, with that terrible slim chance it could be our last. Sadly, as are the risks associated with our line of work, unfortunately 19 years ago today, it was Glen who would not return home that day, as he had no chance for one last goodbye.

As was pointed out in parliament in August 1999, Glen was an unassuming man who had an extraordinary ability to touch the lives of all those people with whom he dealt. Even in death he was bringing a people together, breaking down the barriers and doing all the good things bush coppers do.

Some 19 years later our Association, everyone here today, and those who cannot be here today, are stopping as we are to remember Glen and of course others who have died whilst serving or who have arguably died before their time due to the rigours of operational police work. We continue to believe that recognition of members such as Glen on significant anniversaries such as this serve to highlight the sacrifice of so many others.

We will never forget, and we will continue to remember. Today we remember Sergeant Glen Huitson.

We will remember, we will remember.

Hasten the dawn.

The Glen Huitson memorial This year's service.

26 NT POLICE NEWS

OCTOBER 2018 27

Graduations

POLICE AUXILIARY LIQUOR INSPECTOR KEVIN BOITEAU WAS AWARDED THE COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY FOR OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN ALL AREAS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM, INCLUDING ACADEMIC, PRACTICAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING. “I joined the NT Police Force to be able to contribute to a community that myself and my family have become a part of over a period of 16 years. During this time, I have seen the damage that alcohol causes, not only to the Indigenous community but to the community as a whole. To be given an opportunity to play a small role in assisting to alleviate the flow of alcohol into our community and the potential to give back to the community through the various roles available within NT Police during my new Policing career, is the reason that I have decided to become a member of NT Police.

Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector Squad 55

Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector Squad 55

I was proud to graduate as a member of the first PALI Squad formed by NT Police and humbled to receive the Commissioner’s Trophy. Especially given that the members of Squad 55 displayed dedication, professionalism, and a willingness to learn throughout the length of the course and are continuing to display these virtues daily, as we undergo our mentoring process.

In a first for Territory Policing, the inaugural Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector Squad (PALIs) graduated on Monday 20 August 2018.

The Alice Springs Desert Park played host to proud family and friends, who gathered to watch the 18 graduates receive their Police badge, ready to begin their new careers.

As well as traditional Auxiliary support roles, the members of Squad 55 will also undertake liquor inspector duties at takeaway outlets across Alice Springs.

This is just the second squad to complete training in the Red Centre, and we acknowledge the hard work of the Police College staff, supported by the Alice Springs management team.

Ashley Patrech, who was recruited from Sydney, received the Most Dedicated Student Award.

She spoke to NT Police News from her post in Alice Springs and said she chose the NT Police Force over other jurisdictions for a change of lifestyle. “I have family in the NSW Police Force and their stories inspired me to join.”

“Graduating and receiving the Most Dedicated Student Award was a huge achievement. It was a great day, and to see how proud my family were of me was amazing,” she said.

When we spoke to Ashley, she has been on the job for just over a week and said, “the best part, so far, is being able to interact with the community and to see that we are already making a difference!"

28 NT POLICE NEWS

POLICE AUXILIARY LIQUOR INSPECTOR SQUAD 55 AWARD WINNERS The Most Dedicated Student Award Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector, Ashley Patrech The Commissioner’s Trophy Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector, Kevin Boiteau Our newest members from Squad 55 are:: • Joseph Baker • Kevin Boiteau • Lakeisha Gasura • Sam Joseph • Joshua McCorkell • Jagdeep Singh • Jemma Tilmouth • Zac Turnerq • Oliver Dodd

• Billy-Joe Bambach • Brandon Charman • Ethan Herbert-Overall • Rhys Lauder • Ashley Patrech • Meharvan Singh • Melissa Tilmouth • Tania Barber • Molly Justice

Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector, Ashley Patrech and Assistant Commissioner Michael Murphy

The best part, so far, is being able to interact with the community and to see that we are already making a difference!

Ashley Patrec

Good luck with your new careers Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspector Squad 55!

Each day brings new challenges as we adapt to our roles as PALIs. Not only undertaking Point of Sale Intervention (POSI) duties, but also our roles in the Front Counter and Watch House. The learning curve, at times, has been quite steep and at times overwhelming. For myself the best part of my new role has been the Alice Springs members, that have been mentoring us since our graduation. The knowledge and patience that each member has shown during this process has enabled myself and other PALI members to grow in confidence and gain valuable skills that will be essential in our new roles.

Interaction with the public has been another highlight in the first week on the job and the interest and overwhelming positivity from most people that we have met whilst conducting PALI duties has enforced, in my mind, the communities desire to control the flow of alcohol into their towns and communities.

OCTOBER 2018 29

Graduations

Tee time

Welcome Auxiliary Squad 54 The Territory Police Force is nine officers stronger, following the graduation of Auxiliary Squad 54, on Friday 22 June 2018.

Alex Brennan cultivating his game at the Alice Springs Golf Club

Clubbing at its best NT golfer brings home top prize

By Communications Officer, Kyrrie Blenkinsop ‘Desert golf’ is a somewhat obvious oxymoron. Lush greens thrive in the harsh arid surrounds, while many fairways blend into the surrounding scrub.

The Alice Springs Golf Club, which sits in the shadow of the

Police Auxiliary Grad Squad 54

Officers from Auxiliary Squad 54 are now stationed across Darwin, taking up positions in JESCC, Darwin Watch House and Darwin Front Counter.

Congratulations and welcome to the Territory Police family, Auxiliary Squad 54!

AUXILIARY SQUAD 54 AWARD WINNERS Most Dedicated Student Award: Auxiliary David Gill Our newest members from Auxiliary Squad 54 are: • Allyx Burke • Kathleen Liebelt • Naomi Pickett

30 NT POLICE NEWS

• Madaleine Garnsey • Meleane Maka • Melissa Spain

• David Gill • Ann Nicoll • Calvin Tooby

Chief Minister Hon. Michael Gunner MLA and David Gill

majestic MacDonnell Ranges, is ranked 50th in the country by Australian Golf Digest, number seven in the world’s top ten desert courses and one of Australia’s top 25 golf resorts.

And this is where Alex Brennan has spent countless hours cultivating his game.

“Alice Springs (Golf Course), it’s a bit of a gem in the desert,” he tells me, as we sit in the shade of the clubhouse verandah.

“It’s a fantastic layout. It was (jointly) designed by the late Peter Thompson who died in the last few months (and Mike Wolveridge). To have a golf course like this, in a place like Alice Springs, is fantastic. It’s the best golf course in the Northern Territory and it’s fantastic to be able to call this my home club.”

Alex has just returned from the Northern Territory PGA Championship in Darwin. It’s a professional golf tournament that invites six amateurs to take part.

This was his third invite, and although he missed the cut, it was his best performance, to date, in that event.

In fact, 2018 has been the best year of Alex’s ‘golfing life’, winning the Darwin Open, Northern Territory Country Championships and placing well in the Northern Territory amateur tournament, all trigged by his impressive win at the Australian Police Golf Championships in Launceston, back in in February.

Alex was crowned the 2018 Overall Gross Champion, bringing

the John Stone Trophy home to the NT for the very first time.

“I’ve had some good results in the past, finishing second and third, but I’ve never won the championship, or won the (John Stone) trophy so it was fantastic for me, personally, to win. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since (my first Police Golf Championship) in 2010, but great for the Northern Territory as well to have an NT name on the trophy, finally.”

Overall, the NT team cleaned up at the Police Championships.

As reported in the June edition of NT Police News, Matty Woldseth was the C Grade Gross winner, David Proctor was awarded C Grade Nett winner, while Palmerston proved it is the premier NT golf club by taking out the inaugural NT interclub Alan Hodge APM VA Memorial Shield for Best Average Nett Result. At the opposite end of the results sheet Mal Guerin secured the NTPGC NAGA jacket for 2018.

Despite his obvious talent and passion, Alex says he’s still not sure where his love of golf was born.

“I’ve been playing golf for nearly 30 years. I don’t exactly know why I started, because no one else in my family played. I started playing, probably when I started high school and then over the following few years, developed a massive passion for it. By the time I was 15 or 16, golf was the focal point of me. It was everything I put my time and energy into, outside of school,” he said.

Keen to keep the momentum going, Alex headed off to the United Kingdom last month, to play in the North of England Amateur Championships. He’s also got his eye on amateur tournaments in Canberra and possibly Tasmania at the end of the year. Plus, the 2019 Police Championships on the Mornington Peninsular (accommodation is already booked!).

If his success continues (and we sincerely hope it does) he’s going to need a bigger trophy cabinet. But for now, he assures me, there is ‘plenty of room’ for more silverware.

OCTOBER 2018 31

LEGACY GOLF DAY

Chasing the Green for the Families of our Boys and Girls in Blue After three years in the wilderness, Northern Territory Golf Club conducted a nine Hole Ambrose competition at Palmerston Golf Club on Friday the 3rd of August 2018.

By Craig Dunlop The event attracted 29 teams from the Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Corrections, Border force, Territory Housing, Territory Families and beyond, with all proceeds from the day donated to the Northern Territory Police Legacy.

NT Police Legacy provides support for families of members who have been killed or died whilst serving. Brevet Sergeant Glenn Huitson, Sergeant Michael Cornford, Sergeant Mary Anne Skelton, Senior Constable Michael Read, Aboriginal Community Police Officer Bert Cubillo, Sergeant Graham Chung, Sergeant Brett Meredith, Constable First Class Patricia Brennan, Detective Sergeant Ian Bradford and Senior Constable Alan Hodge were all honoured with a hole nominated in their honour.

Cazaly’s and Palmerston Golf club provided a great venue, course and hospitality for the day which enable the NT Police Golf Club the ability to run a successful day. Almost $9,000 was raised through the running of the event and $10,000 was transferred to The Northern Territory Police Legacy.

The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA), along with one of its major sponsors Fleet Network, continued to support the event by again cooking the BBQ lunch which was well received for the budding golfers.

After several hours of toiling away on the golf course the 29 teams returned, some a little worse for wear, but in great spirits.

Unfortunately, this year, the Commissioner’s trophy left the defending hands of Police with the Best Net Winner - with a score of 20 - to the Corrections team of Mixed Talent. Congratulations to Captain Scott Groth and his team on the win!

Runner up Net Score 21: Leaky Nozzles – Captain Kieran Toner (NTFS) Best Gross Score Score 28: Who’s your caddy – Captain Matthew Johnson (Territory Families)

Golf Club – The Northern Territory Police g putting the 'fun' in fundraisin

Runner up Gross Score 30: N.F.I – Captain Daniel Breed (NTPS) NAGA: Who Me? – Captain Karen Sanderson (NTPS) Best Dressed: The Death stars – Captain Kylie Anderson (NTPS) Runner up Best Dressed: Golf Pucks – Captain Alan Brown (NTPS) NT Police Golf Club would like to thank the following sponsors for their support to make this event possible: NTPA, Rydges Palmerston, Motorola, Landmark Gateway, Fleet network, Harvey Norman, Pee Wees on the point, Caddies Restaurant, Rebel, CUB, Darwin Bowls Club, Flight Path Golf Centre, Hibiscus Tavern, Fishing and Outdoor world, Crocosaurus Cove, Crocodylus Park, Camping World and Police Credit Union.

Last but not least, a big thank you for the support of all the teams that played on the day for making the event a success.

Let’s make it even bigger next year and get that trophy back from Corrections!

The event would not be made possible without all our members and volunteers who assisted on the day to get all the golfers organised on the day.

32 NT POLICE NEWS

OCTOBER 2018 33

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Sharing the kids this Christmas?

Start negotiating now Nick Mules, Senior Associate | Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

NTPA’s legal services provider

Christmas is fast approaching. For separated families it is a potentially difficult time if former partners can’t agree over care arrangements for the children over the holiday period.

If you have children with a former partner, now is the time to sort out those care arrangements. Getting a headstart on this will help avoid any conflict and risk of spoiling the festive season for your children.

Happily for many, arrangements can be made by agreement, by way of telephone call or email to the other parent making a proposal and compromising with each other about each other’s commitments.

However, that is not the case for everybody. If parents don’t see eye to eye, agreeing to holiday arrangements is easier said than done.

It may be that this is the first Christmas for which you, your children and your former partner are not together as a family.

If that is the case, you should act soon. A quick email to your former partner putting forward your ideas is absolutely the best way to “get the ball rolling”.

Some of you may already have Court Orders in place, whether you are still in the court process (i.e. interim orders) or Final Orders. Those orders may or may not provide for exact times for each of you to spend with the children over the break. Even if your orders are reasonably prescriptive, it is worthwhile confirming those times now with your ex-partner, particularly if you are not represented by a lawyer.

If you have tried writing to the other parent and you have not had any response or have not received a positive one then you should consider what further steps you can take as soon as possible. You may need the assistance of a Family Relationships Centre or other mediation service to talk about the times that the children will live with you or spend time with you.

Unfortunately, even if you contacted a mediation service today, my suspicion is that (unless you are very lucky) you would be unlikely to get a joint session and an agreement prior to Christmas. For that reason you might need to consider obtaining the services of a lawyer to write to your former partner on your behalf, to make a proposal for times over the Christmas period. In the unfortunate event that your proposal is not agreed by the other parent, you might need to

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As you may or may not know, the Family Law Courts are terribly backlogged and there is often significant delay in getting a hearing date, if you need to make an application.

For that reason it is recommended by the Courts that any party wishing to bring an application to be heard before Christmas do so as early as possible. If you delay, you may not get a hearing before Christmas. And, even if you get a hearing before Christmas, it may be that the Judge does not make a decision on the day and needs time to go away and think about your matter and write a Judgement. That process can take a month or more.

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Tindall Gask Bentley is proud to provide legal services to the Northern Territory Police Association and offers a 10% discount to NTPA members. To set up an appointment with one of our lawyers call the NTPA on (08) 8995 9520, TGB Lawyers on (08) 89417814, or email ntpa.tgb.legalservices@ntpa.com.au Nick Mules is a senior associate at TGB with extensive family law experience. He visits Darwin regularly to meet clients and would be happy to provide further advice on children’s matters of any kind.

p: (08) 8941 7814 e: ntpa.tgb.legalservices@ntpa.com.au 1/21 Cavenagh St Darwin, Darwin NT 0800 w: tgb.com.au 35 NT POLICE NEWS

KOKODA TREK 2018

The dust has settled since returning from Papua New Guinea, where I and an incredible group of individuals undertook the Kokoda Trail. Whilst it was intense and gruelling at times, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had to date.

Aidan Grimes of ‘Our Spirit Adventures’ was exceptional as a leader and as an educator. There was a lot to be learnt with regard to the sacrifice made by our soldiers.

Police Legacy Kokoda Adventure

Overall it was an incredible experience with an amazing group of people, who I have kept in touch with since returning.

The four pillars of mateship, endurance, sacrifice and courage resonated with each and every one of us as we progressed through the track and the bond between us was further strengthened. The memories of the Kokoda track will always remain with me.

To finish off the trip, our group attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at

Bomana Cemetery in Port Moresby, where I was fortunate enough to lay a wreath on behalf of Northern Territory Police, alongside two serving Police Officers.

I will be forever grateful to Police Legacy for inviting me to participate and for all they do for both my family, and all of the other families in similar situations.

Furthermore, I encourage all Australians to learn about our rich history in regards to the Kokoda trail and even consider doing the track itself.

Top: The ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Bomana Cemetery; bottom: Joseph Huitson raising the flag

By Joseph Huitson

A very proud Joseph Huitson 36 NT POLICE NEWS

Written by Joseph Huitson – His dad, Brevet Sergeant Glen Huitson, was tragically killed in the line of duty on the 3rd of August 1999, while manning a road block during the search for an armed offender.

Left: Local children pose for the camera; top and bottom right: The trek isn't easy OCTOBER 2018 37

Opinion

Communications

Solution needed, not blame

from the Communications Officer

Kyrrie Blenkinsop Communications Officer

How You Can Get Involved

The 2018 Member Survey generated some fantastic suggestions about how we can further enhance communication and engagement with the membership – and we have listened!

Over the next 12-18 months (these things take a bit of time!) the Communications Department will be focusing on the development of a mobile APP which will allow members onthe-run access to things like: • Industrial information / Pay and conditions • Welfare services • Member news & information, including links to commentary from the NTPA in the media • Direct contact with members of the NTPA office • Member benefits • eNewsletters • Update contact details • Provide feedback • After hours support This new stream of communication will keep you up to date, in real time, with what’s going on at the Association, and make it easier for members to contact the NTPA in urgent situations or seek support and welfare services.

There were also several suggestions regarding way to make it easier for members to submit content for NT Police News and social media.

Another project we’re currently working on, is introducing an online form to upload articles and images for the magazine via our website. (If you can’t remember your password for the website, please contact the office on 8995 9520 or email MemberServices@ntpa.com.au). In the meantime, please feel free to send through story suggestions of pictures to kyrrie.blenkinsop@ntpa.com.au.

Some feedback suggested members weren’t quite sure what kind of content we are interested in for NT Police News.

To answer broadly – anything, really! Here is a brief list of ideas for submissions.

• ON THE ROAD – Any great pictures you’ve taken while out on the road • FROM THE ARCHIVES – with a focus on a particular longserving member, or Police station

38 NT POLICE NEWS

President Paul McCue's opinion piece as it appeared in Centralian Advocate 19 June

Solution needed, not blame

tools.

But the argument this is the by responsibility of Police, standing out the front of bottle shops, is tedious and lazy.

This policy places the burliden of monitoring private of quor sales on the shoulders at Police, and Police resources, — the expense of the taxpayer and not Licensing, or the licen-

Paul McCue NT Police Association President

• BUSH BEAT – put the spotlight on remote, regional and rural stations/members • ONLY IN THE NT – quirky Territory stories • NUPTIALS & NEWBORNS – Member weddings / babies • MEMBER PROFILES – notable work-related achievements, or extracurricular activities Remember, our office strives to make the Police News interesting and relevant, so when we read the occasional comment in the recent survey that some members don’t bother reading it, remember you are missing out on some fantastic content and contributions.

Also, don’t forget it’s an important historical document, so the more we invest into it, the greater benefit in years to come.

In just the previous two editions we’ve heard from former Alice Springs-based officer Hayden Hunt, who battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer – and won, with the support of his colleagues; Louise Galey, the wife of Kulgera-based officer Luke, who details her family’s extraordinary move from Darwin to the tiny remote town along with the challenges and rewards of moving bush; Scott Williams, the new CEO of Police Health, whose father was a Northern Territory Police Officer in Darwin, Alice Springs and Papunya; the incredible achievements of Senior Constable First Class Deborah Blackwell, whose commitment and significant contribution to the role of women within the force saw Deb named the 2018 Patrician Anne Brennan Award recipient; and the two Alice Springs based officers Zach Rolfe and Kirstina Jamieson, who received Bravery Medals in the Austrian honours system for their efforts rescuing stranded tourists in the swollen and flooded Hugh River in Central Australia in 2016.

Just to name a few.

You, the membership, are the most important content we can share in our magazine so we invite you to tell your stories.

Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.

Carol Burnett

Alice Springs is a great place, full of great people.

It does, however, come with a stigma for alcohol-fuelled violence and an ongoing youth crime issue. At times I am sure it feels like it is besieged by break-ins, boredom and booze.

Our Police

know all too well when alcohol and crime spike, as their already stretched resources go to breaking point.

But they are doing all they can, and more.

So, what can be done, and who should be doing more?

Alice Springs has been clobbered with an unacceptable level of alcohol fuelled violence, including domestic violence, for too long. We have heard, time and time again, police standing at bottles shops is the answer. This narrowminded view is dangerous, and comes without serious consideration for what other measures need to go hand-inhand with the tireless work our police do for our community.

If we have a full lockdown on bottle shops, and crime still spikes, who are you going to blame then?

Takeaway outlets are just one part of the puzzle, what about the on-premise venues, what about liquor orders online, what about the number of takeaway outlets and their opening hours, what about how much a legal purchaser can buy and then on sell out the back of a car?

Just like restricting the sale of alcohol at takeaways, and the reintroduction of the BDR, other players must come to the table, others must play their part in reducing harm in the community. We must do more to reduce harm to our kids.

For the sake of brevity, and not wanting to risk oversimplify an incredibly complex issue — the root cause of youth offending can usually be traced back to social dysfunction, spurred on by a dysfunctional family unit, which is often caused by alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

Many of the unsupervised children who roam the streets late at night, some barely in their teens — come from homes with poor living conditions, filled with alcoholfuelled family harm.

Some have parents who don’t even notice they are gone, and may feel like being on the streets is safer than going home.

Every child deserves to live in a safe, clean environment and more work clearly needs to be done to support families who struggle with alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

Of course, other factors such as peer pressure, truancy and — as previously mentioned — boredom often play a part.

It can be an incredibly difficult and frustrating job for Police who pick up the same youth offenders, time and time again, who appear responsible for a majority of the town’s crime.

Depending on their age (the Royal Commission recommended the age of criminal responsibility be lifted from 10 to 12), they are arrested and charged, considered for youth diversion or taken home to their parents.

By and large, the Royal Commission did not reveal anything new and has left a legacy of recommendations without the funding to support them.

If the Federal Government — which called the $50 million inquiry in the first place — was committed, it would work with the NT Government to properly fund programs that can make a real difference.

This could include providing support for dysfunctional family units which would hopefully result in less children living on the streets.

While youth diversion can sometimes be seen as a soft option, especially if you’ve had your home broken into or property damaged or stolen, this measure is an option for children to be rehabilitated and understand the consequences of their actions. This is an avenue to show young people how their offending impacts directly on victims of their crimes.

When we put this issue of alcohol abuse, which is identified as one of the major contributing factors to domestic violence, under the microscope — it’s clear restricting the amount of grog that flows into the community is one of the leading harm minimisation tools.

But the argument this is the responsibility of Police, by standing out the front of bottle shops, is tedious and lazy.

This policy places the burden of monitoring private liquor sales on the shoulders of Police, and Police resources, at the expense of the taxpayer — and not Licensing, or the licensees.

ALICE Springs is a great place, full of great people. It does, however, come with a stigma for alcohol-fuelled violence and an ongoing youth crime issue. At times I am sure it feels like it is besieged by break-ins, boredom and booze.

Our Police know all too well when alcohol and crime spike, reas their already stretched sources go to breaking point.

But they are doing all they can, be and more. So, what can done, and who should be doing

sees.

Put simply, this is an industry which profit from the sale of alcohol, yet contributes nothing more than the bare

minimum.

The announcement in March of this year that Police Auxiliaries will soon shoulder this arduous task is nothing more than policy on the run from a Chief Minister, and no Police Minister, who has faith in Licensing to monitor and act against breaches of the Liquor Act. This role should instead be undertaken by dedicated unias Inspectors, Liquor formed — outlined in the Riley Review a key recommendation simply being ignored by this NT Labor

more?

Alice Springs has been clobbered with an unacceptable level of alcohol fuelled violence, including domestic violence, for too long. We have heard, time and time again, police standing at bottles shops is the answer. This narrowminded view is dangerous, and comes without serious consideration for what other measures need to go hand-inhand with the tireless work our police do for our community.

If we have a full lockdown on bottle shops, and crime still to spikes, who are you going

government.

If the Government is serious about tackling alcohol-related harm and violence, the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) should also be expanded to pubs and clubs.

NT Police Commissioner blame then?

Reece Kershaw recently told Takeaway outlets are just Parliamentary Estimates that one part of the puzzle, what the Police Force’s “Last about the on-premise venues, Drinks” survey, which is conwhat about liquor orders onducted at the Watch House of line, what about the number and establishes where sometheir and takeaway outlets one arrested on an alcohol-reopening hours, what about lated charge, such as domestic Gary Ramage how much a legal purchaser for unlawful drinkers. Picture: violence, purchased or conin Alice Springs, monitoring bevercan buy and then on sell out outside a takeaway outlet into or sumed their last alcohol A police officer stationed the back of a car? has left a your home brokenor stolen, age, identified “on premise play a anything new and influns property damaged Just like restricting the sale in tioned — boredom often for drinking” as a dominant legacy of recommendatio late at night, some barely this measure is an option of alcohol at takeaways, and their teens — come from part. without the funding to support children to be rehabilitated ence.

It can be an incredibly diffithe reintroduction of the BDR, homes with poor living condiA joint, holistic approach is them. consefor the job the and understand cult and frustrating other players must come to dealing with the If the Federal Government tions, filled with alcohol-fu- Police who pick up the same their actions. This is key when offering solutions table, others must play their elled family harm. the $50 million quences of and called causes which — peotime young and an avenue to show youth offenders, time part in reducing harm in the crime problem. inquiry in the first place — was Some have parents who offending im- to the youth community. We must do more don’t even notice they are again, who appear responsible committed, it would work with ple how their to be a combined needs There of victims town’s pacts directly on for a majority of the to reduce harm to our kids. effort from Government agenthe NT Government to prop- their crimes. gone, and may feel like being crime.

For the sake of brevity, and cies, NGO’s, law enforcement, erly fund programs that can on the streets is safer than When we put this issue of Depending on their age (the not wanting to risk oversimpli- going home. youth advocacy groups, Counmake a real difference. alcohol abuse, which is identRoyal Commission recomfy an incredibly complex issue cil, traditional owners and the This could include providEvery child deserves to live reofified as one of the major conmended the age of criminal — the root cause of youth in a safe, clean environment 10 to ing support for dysfunctional tributing factors to domestic community. would fending can usually be traced and more work clearly needs sponsibility be lifted from We need to look at the and family units which the microchildren violence, under back to social dysfunction, to be done to support families 12), they are arrested funding, who gets what, and youth hopefully result in less it. scope — it’s clear restricting spurred on by a dysfunctional who struggle with alcohol charged, considered for streets. the on what are they doing with to living the amount of grog that flows and diversion or taken home family unit, which is often abuse and domestic violence.

While youth diversion can of Lets all get at the table, into the community is one parents. their opsoft a caused by alcohol abuse and as factors seen be other look for solutions, not blame. sometimes Of course, By and large, the Royal had the leading harm minimisation domestic violence. such as peer pressure, truancy Commission did not reveal tion, especially if you’ve Many of the unsupervised menpreviously and — as children who roam the streets

safe.

Police patrols keep the community

CAVE01Z01MA - V1

incident.

Police investigate a reported

Put simply, this is an industry which profit from the sale of alcohol, yet contributes nothing more than the bare minimum.

The announcement in March of this year that Police Auxiliaries will soon shoulder this arduous task is nothing more than policy on the run from a Chief Minister, and Police Minister, who has no faith in Licensing to monitor and act against breaches of the Liquor Act. This role should instead be undertaken by dedicated uniformed Liquor Inspectors, as outlined in the Riley Review — a key recommendation simply being ignored by this NT Labor government.

If the Government is serious about tackling alcohol-related harm and violence, the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) should also be expanded to pubs and clubs.

NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw recently told Parliamentary Estimates that the Police Force’s “Last Drinks” survey, which is conducted at the Watch House and establishes where someone arrested on an alcohol-related charge, such as domestic violence, purchased or consumed their last alcohol beverage, identified “on premise drinking” as a dominant influence.

A joint, holistic approach is key when dealing with the causes and offering solutions to the youth crime problem.

There needs to be a combined effort from Government agencies, NGO’s, law enforcement, youth advocacy groups, Council, traditional owners and the community.

We need to look at the funding, who gets what, and what are they doing with it. Lets all get at the table, and look for solutions, not blame.

OCTOBER 2018 39

PFA

BOOK REview

Forensics Asian-Style Liz Porter, Crime Scene Asia: when forensic evidence becomes the silent witness (Big Sky Publishing)

After writing two award-winning books in which she looked at the way forensic science was used to solve crimes in Australia, the UK and the US, Melbourne-based writer Liz Porter decided to check out the way that crime was committed and investigated in various Asian countries.

Researching her latest book, Crime Scene Asia: when forensic evidence becomes the silent witness, she noticed some specific national characteristics when it comes to murder – especially in the way that killers dispose of their victims after committing their crimes.

“Crimes are often uniquely connected to the kind of country where they were committed,” Porter says. “And, as a result, different kinds of forensic expertise come to the fore.

“In Australia, with our wide open spaces, we have many cases where special forensic skills are required to try and find out where, in a vast stretch of land, a body may have been buried. Here, as in the US, forensic scientists also get a fair bit of practice at examining bodies that have been lying in bushland for decades and working out what happened to them.

“In Singapore, on the other hand, most people live in tiny apartments and there are very few open spaces to bury a body. And certainly almost nowhere to dispose of a body without being seen by someone. There have been several cases of bodies being dismembered, packed into parcels and thrown into rivers. So the local police and forensic scientists have expertise with ‘headless body’ cases. I have featured two of them in Crime Scene Asia.

“Singapore is also a city absolutely infested with CCTV cameras. And,

40 NT POLICE NEWS

as I show in one of the cases in my book, the police are very imaginative in the way they use CCTV footage as an investigative tool.”

Researching the book, Porter was also reminded that Aussies were to be found everywhere in Asia – and not just getting in trouble as tourists. They were appearing as forensic scientist expert witnesses in Asian courts. And they were there as lawyers.

“In one of the Hong Kong cases in my book, the hero is a Sydney-based defence lawyer Peter Lavac,” Porter says.

“When he was living and working in Hong Kong, he used forensic evidence to save his client. This client was a bit of stumblebum, but he managed to get himself involved with two of Hong Kong’s most notorious gangsters and found himself accused of playing a part in one of the former British colony’s biggest ever bomb plots.

“Sydney-based expert forensic pathologist Professor Johan Duflou also played a dramatic role in a Singapore court case where a man was accused of murdering his lover. Johan Duflou’s evidence literally saved this man from the gallows, because he showed that the fatal stabbing at the centre of the case could have happened in self-defence.”

The author’s favorite Australian forensic scientist from her book is former Australian Federal Police scientist David Royds.

“David Royds was the chief Australian scientist on the forensic investigation of the Bali bombing in 2002, in which 202 people died, 88 of them Australians. The forensic science achievements of both the Australian and the Indonesian scientists wouldn’t have been out of place in a Hollywood script.

“In fact, they were so good that Australian film-maker Michael Jenkins wrote them into an Australian TV series.

Richard Roxburgh was playing David Royds, which would have made the scientist very famous. Shooting started in Bali in late 2005. But then there was another bombing, and the Balinese authorities shut the production down.

“This investigation is one of the very few real-life cases where the scientific discoveries were as dramatic as they are on the TV series CSI. “And there were aspects that a scriptwriter would have loved to invent, but they were already true. For example, Royds alone came up with the theory that the bombings were the work of a suicide bomber: a theory that, initially, the Indonesian authorities did not want to hear. There were also serious disagreements between the Indonesian and the Australian scientists. And he was very open about that too.”

Crime Scene Asia: when forensic evidence becomes the silent witness contains 16 cases from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Hong Kong, and one from Sydney, in which a Singaporean spent eight years in jail for a murder before being acquitted and freed because of forensic evidence – and some terrific work by Sydney barrister David Dalton SC. The book’s cases include: • A Malaysian murder that police were certain that the victim’s married boyfriend had committed. But the DNA found at the scene appeared to tell a different story.

• A tragic fire in a Manila orphanage, after which its child victims had initially been buried without being identified.

A team of scientists then used a whole palette of forensic techniques to identify the children.

• A Singapore case in which police had only one clue to the identity of a woman found dead in a park: the serial numbers of the implants in her teeth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Liz Porter is a freelance journalist best-known for her prize-winning books about “the real CSI”.

Based in Melbourne, she is a former award-winning legal affairs reporter for The Sunday Age. Her first crime book, Written on the Skin: an Australian forensic casebook, was joint winner of the Australian Crime Writers Association’s Ned Kelly award for the best true crime book of 2007. Her second one, Cold Case Files: past crimes solved by new forensic science, won Sisters in Crime’s 2012 Davitt award for best true crime book. Her novel, Unnatural Order, was published in 1995. Set in Germany, where she lived and worked as a freelance journalist in the late 1980s, it was republished as an e-book in 2016 (V=Clan Destine Press).

Liz is a year-round sea swimmer at Melbourne’s Middle Brighton sea baths, a chorister in a pop music choir, and is a tragically devoted fan of the AFL football club, St Kilda.

Launch by Maggie Baron (former forensic scientist): 6 for 6.30pm Wednesday 20 June – Readings St Kilda, 112 Acland Street., St Kilda – Free but please RSVP by Tuesday 19 June to carmel@shute-the-messenger.com Crime Scene Asia: when forensic evidence becomes the silent witness

by Liz Porter (Big Sky Publishing).

June 2018. Paperback, C format; 344 pp; RRP: $29.95 (inc. GST) ISBN: 978-1-925675-46-7 Review copies: Available from Sharon Evans, Big Sky Publishing: 1300 364 611; sharon@bigskypublishing.com.au; http://www.bigskypublishing.com.au Distributor: Woods Lane 02 8445 2300; info@woodslane.com.au; www.woodslane.com.au Media comment: Liz Porter, 0417 583 709; trager@netspace.net.au; http://www.lizporter.net/ Media enquiries: Carmel Shute, Shute the Messenger, 0412 569 346; carmel@shute-the-messenger.com

OCTOBER 2018 41

member Update

NTPA Gift Shop • NTPA and NTPF Cufflinks • Keychain bottle openers • Leather compendiums • NT & Shield shaped NTPF plaques, with custom engraving • Did you know that we can arrange mounting of medal replicas to wear at official functions?

What would you like to see in our gift shop?

Email your feedback to reception@ntpa.com.au

Resignations and Retirements Resignations

Rank

Date

Bailey, Nathan John

Senior Constable

22/06/2018

Anderson, Stephanie Louise

Auxiliary

26/03/2018

Godwin, Lance Anthony

Assistant Commissioner

30/05/2018

Gaze, Dawn Alyson

Constable 1st Class

03/03/2018

Hanley, Carol Ann

Auxiliary

14/06/2018

Fraser, Timothy James

Senior Constable

25/05/2018

Clark, Justine Mary

Recruit Auxiliary

13/06/2018

Connor, Kieren Cale

Auxiliary

14/07/2018

Carson, Lara Claire

Auxiliary

07/05/2018

Mallon, Elliot Joseph Maxwell

Auxiliary

17/07/2018

Milligan, Aaron Richard

Senior Constable

03/08/2018

Booth, Karyn

Senior Constable

20/08/2018

Castle, Christopher Dennis

Senior Constable 1st Class

21/08/2018

Retirements

Rank

Date

Thompson, Richard Charles

Sergeant

16/08/2018

Jayawardena, Sydney Laxman

Senior Constable

28/07/2018

Sanders, Gillian Patricia

Senior Constable

09/05/2018

Duffield, Phillip William

Senior Constable

16/05/2018

Bell, Kim Marie

Senior Auxiliary

27/05/2018

Walker, Gregory Alan

Senior Auxiliary

11/06/2018

Jorgensen, Louise Emily

Superintendent

20/06/2018

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42 NT POLICE NEWS

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