Katherine MP to publicly name and shame rude critics

Ms Nelson told the NT Parliament yesterday she would "spend every night this week in adjournment putting their names on public record".

"I will read them out (in parliament) and table copies of the horrid comments that they leave on social media, the things they call me and say about me, because everybody in Katherine should know.

"If they have the gumption to put their name to it on social media, I am sure they would have no problem with me calling them out."

The NT Government and Ms Nelson came in for a barrage of criticism this week after another CBD business was vandalised.

Ms Nelson responded yesterday by saying crime statistics were falling and the Government's policies were "starting to work".

Many people on Facebook claimed the numbers had fallen because people could no longer be bothered reporting crimes to police.

Mr Nelson told Parliament yesterday she came under fire "each and every single time a business is broken into or there is some damage caused to a business or some other form of crime is committed in my community".

She particularly criticised the new CLP candidate for Katherine, Jo Hersey, for joining in.

"This should set the tone now of what the campaign is going to be like.

"For the 10 months I campaigned in Katherine in the lead up to the 2016 elections, not once-not one single time-did I ever make it personal. It is incredibly disappointing that the CLP is rolling out candidates who have no integrity ..."

Ms Nelson said each time a business or home is broken into or a windows are broken in Katherine it prompts a wave of discussion.

" ... not about what causes crime to be committed instead it prompts discussions and public outcries of 'bash their skulls', 'break their legs', 'give them a belting' and 'hang them, I have my belt'. These are the sort of discussions that have been prompted in Katherine."

Ms Nelson said she was often criticised by people in my own community for being soft and having her head buried in the sand.

"Insipid is a common word used to describe me - a failure, incompetent, lame duck. You name it, I have been called it - particularly in regards to crime and crime committed by youth.

"Contrary to what some people claim about my attitude and response to crime, I do not believe nor have I ever said that there should not be any consequences for anyone who commits a crime."

Ms Nelson said she drove around Katherine on average three nights a week, from 10pm-1am "to see what is actually happening".

"I go out there on my own. I stop and talk to kids when I see them out on the streets past 11 o'clock or in the middle of the night. I ask them 'what are you up to tonight', 'how are you guys going', 'how is school', 'how are your mum and dad' and 'how is the little baby'. I care enough to personally visit victims of crime after the incident when I am aware of who the victim is."

She said she visited shop owners, lobbied for more government resources and recognised victims of crimes have every right to be angry.

"I know people are frustrated, angry and scared. I am angry and frustrated. In the heat of the moment out of anger and frustration, people will say and do things that they would normally not say or do.

"When people are angry and scared they want immediate retribution. I also acknowledge that it is a huge ask of victims of crime to allow for programs to take effect. But the truth and reality is that no matter how much people do not want to hear this, particularly people on the other side of this Chamber, we are starting to see results in Katherine. There is a change," she said.

She said most of the crime committed in Katherine are consequences and outcomes of much broader social issues, such as alcohol abuse, unemployment, poor literacy skills, poverty, dysfunctional households, drugs and domestic and family violence.

"I am unequivocally committed to my government's approach in addressing the inequities in our communities and the over-representation of Indigenous people in our gaols. To effect long-term change requires a much more targeted approach of early intervention and support.

"This is about generational change. That is not going to happen overnight. It requires much more than just hiring more police officers, prosecutors or judges.

More reading:

Setting the record straight on youth crime.

"We have seen time and time again, not just in Australia, but in other countries, that a strict punitive approach does not equate to better long-term outcomes.

"Just like everyone else in my community, I am often frustrated that it is a slow process. But if we really want positive change for the most vulnerable members of our community we have to allow the process to continue."

In regards to criticism, Ms Nelson said she would publicly name and shame people for their comments.

"I never confront people out of anger. But after three years I am really angry about this. It needs to be called out and that is what I will do."

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