Locals cowered in Todd Tavern as angry mob smashed windows
The Alice Springs government has implemented a curfew for the Territory’s youth to try to curb the rising tide of violence and disorder.
Locals were recently forced to cower in the Todd Tavern pub as an armed mob tried to smash their way inside.
An extra 58 police will also be on hand to redirect youths back to their homes if they are caught on the streets after curfew.
The curfew will last 14 days and will see anyone under the age of 18 confined to their homes between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am.
“It's going to be difficult for us to manage a curfew but I think the people of Alice Springs expect their government to step up and that's what we're doing,' Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler said.
“Kids are not safe on the streets, and if they are not safe at home, they will be taken somewhere else.”
Video from Todd Tavern show a group of around 70 Indigenous people attacking the windows and doors with rocks, bricks and flying kicks.
One man inside tried to hold the glass doors closed with his feet.
A second video shows rocks being hurled at windows, with attackers lurking with crowbars.
Local baker Darren Clark has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to bring the area under federal control. It is the same sentiment echoed by NT LNP Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and the town's mayor.
“Just putting money on table doesn't fix this mate,” Clark told Ben Fordham.
“You've got to come and see for yourself. You've got to come and talk to the locals to see what we are witnessing.
“The messages I have got from people in this town overnight will break your bloody heart PM.
“Come up here and talk to your fellow Australians and help this town. Just help us.”
'The messages I have got from people in this town overnight will break your bloody heart PM.
'Come up here and talk to your fellow Australians and help this town. Just help us.'
Mr Clark told Fordham he didn't know what to say any more because the town is 'under siege'.
'When is enough is enough?' he said.
The mob that was filmed attacking the hotel had already smashed windows throughout the town.
“People were locking down, putting roller shutters down. People were hiding, they smashed the cars.
“They had crowbars, axes running through the streets, it's just insane,” Clark said.
The recent violence is said to have been caused by the death of a young man who died in a stolen car a few weeks ago and the ‘payback’ that has escalated.
Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson has for federal intervention in the Northern Territory.
“It may sound dramatic, but I've called [for] the federal government to step in here. They need to overrule the territory government and step in because this is dangerous, it's scary,” Preston told The ABC.
“That is absolute senseless destruction in our town, and it's frightening,” he said.
'Who knows what would have happened if they had have gotten to Todd Tavern.”
Jonathan Jackson, 28th March 2024
