The Territory Government has allocated nearly $200 million more to law and order in the 2026/27 Budget compared with last year. Photo: NT Police Force.
The Northern Territory Government has allocated $1.73 billion to law and order in its 2026/27 Budget as it seeks to reduce crime.
The budget was laid down on 5 May, and says major investments will be made in recruiting police and corrections staff, upgraded infrastructure and funding for support programs, and will build on reforms including bail laws, expanded police powers, and faster court processes.
Details include more than 150 new police officers and 100 new police public safety officers; 150 new corrections officers; $426 million for police stations, corrections facilities and other infrastructure upgrades; $74 million for domestic violence prevention and victim support services; $10 million for implementation of the Police Review response; and $4.9 million for ‘’Alternative to Custody’’ facilities in Alice Springs and Groote Eylandt.
The latest commitment is an increase of nearly $200 million over the $1.54 billion outlaid in the 2025/26 budget, and comes on the back of a weekend of riots in Alice Springs following the tragic death of a five-year-old girl.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Territorians voted for action on crime.
“Territorians wanted a government that would listen, and act to restore community safety,” she said.
“This budget delivers record investment in law and order, while we tackle the root causes of crime.
“We promised to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle, and we are getting on with the job.
“In our first year, the number of victims of crime fell by 10.2 per cent and, as a result, business confidence is returning and the Territory economy is growing.
“That means more families feeling safer in their homes, more businesses opening their doors with confidence, and more people enjoying the Territory lifestyle we are so fiercely proud of.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said her government had more work to do.
“This budget cements our focus on law and order,” she said.
“Whether you live in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek or one of our remote communities, you deserve to feel safe where you live.
“You deserve to raise your family in peace, run your business with confidence, and enjoy the Territory lifestyle we all value.
“This budget is for the everyday Territorians because it invests in safer streets, stronger families and a better future for every Territorian.”
Treasurer Bill Yan added: “This investment will ensure more frontline police, continued upgrades to the corrections system and greater support for the courts to tackle the root causes of crime.
“As part of this commitment, the budget includes a further $250 million for the Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan, including new prisoner work camps in Darwin and Katherine and utilities upgrades at Alice Springs Correctional Centre.”
