Plans to arm Northern Territory public safety officers have been condemned as a "deeply irresponsible escalation" which risks lives, especially those of vulnerable and Aboriginal people.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced sweeping reforms under the CLP's community safety agenda, revealing a new Police Public Safety Officer (PPSO) stream. The model will merge existing auxiliary and safety officer roles into a single unit under NT Police, with officers wearing police uniforms and operating under police command.
"We're cutting duplication, boosting visibility, empowering our PPSOs to tackle antisocial behaviour head-on," Ms Finocchiaro said.
"Police are doing an outstanding job, especially dealing with domestic and family violence, which now makes up around 60 per cent of their work. This model gives them the backup they need while delivering stronger community safety outcomes."
Just weeks after the death in custody of 24-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White — and ahead of coronial findings into the police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker — the announcement has triggered concern among health and justice advocates.
The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) labelled the plan another punitive response which prioritises state control over addressing social inequality.
AMSANT Chief Executive Dr John Paterson said it is the second decision in a couple of weeks to arm "underqualified individuals with weapons," referencing the recent announcement of a public capsicum spray trial.
"While community safety matters, equipping more people with weapons is not the answer," he said.
"It's a worrying sign of the Territory Government's continued militarisation of public spaces and its ongoing failure to invest in the real solutions. This will not make anyone safer. It will instead escalate confrontations, increase the likelihood of violent incidents, and put the lives of vulnerable people—including those sleeping rough—at serious risk."
Dr Paterson cited past use-of-force incidents, including 2023 footage of a security team kicking and stomping on an Aboriginal man in Darwin, as reasons to tread cautiously.
Furthermore, criticism over the lack of an independent investigation into the death of Mr White — which will see police leading the investigation as well as refusing to stand down officers involved — has led to claims of a lack of accountability in the NT Police.
"These officers are being granted quasi-policing powers through the PPSO program, with little accountability," Dr Paterson said.
"In the Territory, where police use of force is already under intense scrutiny, this decision is reckless and dangerous."
The National Network of Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls echoed Dr Paterson's comments.
"This is about criminalising poverty, pathologising public presence, and further empowering state-sanctioned violence in places where people live, shop, gather, and survive," said member Debbie Kilroy.
Ms Kilroy warned that expanding police-like powers into everyday life poses a serious threat to Indigenous people.
Under the reforms, all PPSOs — including current Public Housing and Transit Safety Officers — must complete full police training to carry a firearm. The government plans to redeploy 56 officers into uniformed roles by early 2026.
Dr Paterson said the Territory has nearly 6,000 people on the public housing waitlist, with one in five Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness.
"The government's response is about appearing 'tough on crime' rather than being effective," he said.
"And once again, the cost will be borne by those already doing it tough.
"If the government is serious about preventing harm and improving safety, it needs to start listening to communities, not criminalising them. To intervene earlier and address the root causes of violence and disadvantage, we need sustained investment in what works."
