New initiative to place Aboriginal Liaison Officers in Schools
The NT Government is to launch a new initiative placing Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) in Territory schools.
The initiative delivers on an election commitment to expand school-based policing, increase school attendance, and keep students and teachers safe.
The school-based program will deploy 40 officers over four years to work in selected government schools, providing culturally appropriate responses to school and community issues.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said she wanted to replicate the partnership between NT Police and the Territory’s Aboriginal communities in NT Government Schools.
Plan to improve attendance rates
“Placing officers in Schools is another measure our CLP Government is taking in our year of action, certainty and security to increase school attendance rates,” Mrs Hersey said.
“ALOs have provided valuable advice and guidance to NT Police, and we have identified schools to place ALO’s in to support schools on issues that impact students’ wellbeing and attendance.
“As we have said time and time again, we want better literacy and numeracy outcomes and improved school attendance rates.”
The program will be implemented through a phased rollout with the first participating schools being Katherine High School and Macfarlane Primary School.
The Aboriginal Liaison Officers in Schools will see respected local aboriginal people employed to work directly in schools alongside students, teachers, families, communities and police.
Cultural insight into schools
Executive Director of Cultural Reform NT Police, Leanne Liddle, said the ALOs will bring local knowledge and cultural insight into schools.
“Our Aboriginal Liaison Officers are respected members of their communities.
“They will work side-by-side with students, families and teachers to provide culturally informed responses and role modelling.
“This program is about stronger connections, safer schools, and better outcomes for everyone.”
Picture: Minister Hersey with the ALOs and CREC (Community Resilience and Engagement Command) team at Katherine High School.
