Alice Springs, a town in Australia's Northern Territory, has been a recurring focus in national discussions concerning crime and anti-social behavior. In early 2023, an increase in violent crime and burglary in the town, home to approximately 33,000 people, led to a visit from the Prime Minister, who committed substantial funding to address social issues.
Policy and Crime Statistics
Youth offending has been a significant aspect of crime discussions in Alice Springs for several years. In 2024, youth curfews were implemented twice in an effort to mitigate violence. Crime reduction was a central theme in the Northern Territory (NT) election campaign, which resulted in the Country Liberal Party (CLP) forming government after nine years in opposition. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro stated, "We will do whatever it takes to restore community safety."
Approximately 16 months into its term, the CLP attributes a recent decline in offending rates across the NT, including Alice Springs, to its law enforcement strategies, citing the latest NT Police Force crime statistics.
Monthly data published by the NT Police Force indicates:
- Property offenses (including theft, burglary, and property damage) in Alice Springs decreased by 20 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
- Offenses against the person (including assault, robbery, and homicide) decreased by 13 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
- Figures for sexual assaults remained consistent.
Prison Population and Justice Concerns
While crime rates in Alice Springs have decreased, the NT's prison population has increased. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the prison population grew by approximately 600 individuals, marking the largest yearly increase in a decade. The NT's prison population has shown a consistent upward trend for the past nine years.
Indigenous individuals constitute approximately 88 percent of the prison population. Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy noted the NT's performance in relation to national Closing the Gap targets in this context.
Reports in 2025 described conditions in NT correctional facilities, including allegations of overpopulated cells, overflowing watch houses, strain on legal aid services, and the cancellation of rehabilitation programs. The government has stated that most prisoners have been transferred from watch houses, with six remaining across the territory in December.
Community Programs and Advocacy
The Gap Youth Centre in Alice Springs provides programs, including the Hoops 4 Health basketball program, offering free meals, activities, and a safe space for young people. Earlier this year, the NT government lowered the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10 and modified access to diversion programs.
Leon Tripp, chief executive of the Gap Youth Centre, stated that despite falling crime rates, sustainable change necessitates investment in prevention, diversion, and ongoing rehabilitation programs. He further commented, "You can't actually arrest your way out of these sort of situations or just continue to lock people up," and expressed concern that immediate results might overshadow the need for long-term solutions.
Economic Impact
Lindsay Carey of the Real Estate Institute of the NT indicated an improvement in Alice Springs' property market, which had previously experienced a downturn, attributing this to the decrease in crime. He noted a reduction in the number of properties on the market and their listing duration, though security remains a significant consideration for potential buyers.
Government Statements
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro stated that the CLP government has expanded court and prison capacity, reduced remand times, and expedited sentencing outcomes since taking office. She affirmed the government's continued prioritization of law and order to enhance community safety, noting a 19 percent reduction in victims of crime in Alice Springs, representing 1,117 fewer victims, since the CLP came to power. Finocchiaro also stated a commitment to addressing both crime and its underlying causes through 2026.