The Northern Territory Government welcomes the Federal Government’s swift response in facilitating the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to grant an exemption enabling Alice Springs Police Drone Pilots to significantly enhance their operational capabilities.
On 13 December, the Chief Minister wrote to Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Marion Scrymgour outlining seven key priority reforms for the federal government, one being CASA provide an exemption for Alice Springs Police Drone Pilots to improve drone capability.
This exemption is a critical step in bolstering the technological tools available to police, ensuring they can better monitor, target, and respond to criminal activity across Alice Springs and the vast, often remote areas of Central Australia.
Now, police will be able to cover the entirety of Alice Springs, providing aerial support and backup to officers on the ground, while tracking offenders and conducting proactive patrols.
“I’m proud to have brokered this deal with the Federal Government which supports our commitment to reduce crime and support our police,” Chief Minister Finocchiaro said.
“During my visit to Alice Springs last week, I had the opportunity to see the police drone team in action and witness firsthand the important role this capability plays for police. These drones provide real-time situational awareness, extending their line of sight, allow police to monitor criminal activity more effectively, and improve response times in areas that are otherwise hard to reach.
“Reducing crime and improving community safety is our government’s top priority. I thank the Federal Government for recognising the vital role these tools play and for supporting police efforts to make Alice Springs a safer place.
“We look forward to the Federal Government working through the remaining six items to deliver a safer Alice Springs,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
