The Northern Territory Government has announced a significant $18 million investment to upgrade and modernise emergency communications infrastructure across the Territory. The initiative includes a $6.6 million upgrade to critical systems at the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre (JESCC) and CCTV Unit at the Peter McAulay Centre, with an additional $9.5 million allocated over three years, plus $1.5 million in ongoing funding to support essential technology enhancements.

The comprehensive upgrade will significantly boost the Northern Territory Police Force’s emergency response capabilities by modernising dispatch systems, enhancing digital infrastructure, and expanding surveillance capabilities.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring frontline emergency services have the tools and technology needed to respond rapidly and effectively.

“This is about giving police the tools they need to respond faster, smarter, and stronger,” Chief Minister Finocchiaro said.

“Last year, JESCC received more than 380,000 calls — that’s over 940 calls each day. Investing in this technology means we are strengthening the backbone of our emergency coordination and public safety systems.”

Key components of the upgrade include:

• Relocation and expansion of digital technology to increase capacity and resilience;

• Enhanced reliability and capability of police dispatch systems;

• Strengthening of critical infrastructure supporting JESCC and the Government Data Centre;

• Expansion of the CCTV Unit’s operations for improved crime prevention and real-time monitoring.

JESCC serves as a central hub for coordinating Territory-wide emergency response, including police, fire, and ambulance services. The upgrade will address infrastructure vulnerabilities and ensure the Territory has a secure, future-ready communications platform to support community safety.

“We are restoring law and order with the strongest bail laws in the country, a record police budget, and now, the digital infrastructure to match,” said Chief Minister Finocchiaro.

In addition to the Darwin-based upgrades, the Northern Territory Government is allocating $2 million to enhance emergency communications in Central Australia. This includes the establishment of a pilot Police Communications Centre in Alice Springs, aimed at improving regional coordination and support for frontline police operations.

The pilot centre will focus on local call-taking and CCTV monitoring for Alice Springs and the Barkly region. Over six months, the trial will assess the benefits of a regionally based communications model in improving response times, situational awareness, and community outcomes.