‘Something has to change’: Alice Spring mayor speaks after riots result in youth curfew

A curfew will be enacted in Alice Springs for two weeks, following high levels of youth crime, including a riot between individuals at a pub.

Tom Elliott says the situation is extraordinary.

“You think we have a youth crime problem here … go up to Alice Springs, it’ll put things into perspective,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear his thoughts on the youth crime problem in Alice Springs

Alice Springs mayor, Matt Paterson, says the riot on Tuesday was the worst he’d seen, with over two hundred people gathered at one point.

“It started with a peaceful cultural ceremony for someone who tragically lost their life … and then obviously there was a spill over, then you’ve seen the riot at the Todd Tavern,” he said.

A state of emergency has been issued for the town, and the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory has sent 58 police officers to the town.

“Something has to change,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear how the curfew will work

Image: Getty Images – Marc Dozier.