1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:04,080 Speaker 1: The United Workers Union's NT secretary, Erina Early, has called 2 00:00:04,120 --> 00:00:07,560 Speaker 1: for the OC spray trial to be scrapped after a 3 00:00:07,600 --> 00:00:11,559 Speaker 1: teenager sprayed security guards with pepper spray upon being refused 4 00:00:11,680 --> 00:00:15,320 Speaker 1: entry to a Darwin nightclub. Now, sixteen year old sprayed 5 00:00:15,360 --> 00:00:18,759 Speaker 1: two guards at Maybury's on the weekend, getting one in 6 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:21,520 Speaker 1: the forehead and the other in the back. The guards 7 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:24,520 Speaker 1: didn't feel the effects of the spray or require any 8 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:28,840 Speaker 1: medical treatment. Now police then sees that spray. They're investigating 9 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:31,800 Speaker 1: how this boy obtained it, as it's not among the 10 00:00:31,880 --> 00:00:35,680 Speaker 1: varieties available for purchase here in the Northern Territory. Now, 11 00:00:35,680 --> 00:00:38,120 Speaker 1: the sixteen year old's pleaded guilty to two counts of 12 00:00:38,159 --> 00:00:42,640 Speaker 1: aggravated assault and one of using a prohibited weapon on Mondays, 13 00:00:42,760 --> 00:00:45,840 Speaker 1: expected to be sentenced on Friday. That's according to News Corp. 14 00:00:46,280 --> 00:00:49,279 Speaker 1: Now joining us on the line is erinor Early. Good 15 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:49,800 Speaker 1: morning to. 16 00:00:49,800 --> 00:00:52,040 Speaker 2: You, Erina, Good morning Katie. 17 00:00:52,240 --> 00:00:55,480 Speaker 1: Now what's your reaction to this incident on the weekend. 18 00:00:57,200 --> 00:01:00,160 Speaker 2: Well, Katie, I think it's Lucy's a wake up call here. 19 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:06,000 Speaker 2: We've got a government who's implemented the approval of basically 20 00:01:06,040 --> 00:01:09,560 Speaker 2: what we're calling a weapon, and we could have really 21 00:01:09,600 --> 00:01:12,679 Speaker 2: been in a situation where these frontline workers could have 22 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:13,280 Speaker 2: been injured. 23 00:01:14,240 --> 00:01:16,040 Speaker 1: I mean we've got a situation though as well, where 24 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:18,720 Speaker 1: it's spray that's been obtained. Apparently they're trying to work 25 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:20,960 Speaker 1: out how it's been obtained because it's not one that's 26 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:24,319 Speaker 1: actually being sold here in the Northern Territory. 27 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:27,759 Speaker 2: Yes, I understand them, but the thing is, we are 28 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:30,480 Speaker 2: going to have situations where people are going to be 29 00:01:30,680 --> 00:01:37,680 Speaker 2: using these sprays in their everyday circumstances. It's critical that 30 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:42,080 Speaker 2: we have this work of protection measures are urgently reviewed 31 00:01:42,120 --> 00:01:44,360 Speaker 2: and strengthened because it is going to be up it 32 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:45,520 Speaker 2: is for public purchase. 33 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:48,800 Speaker 1: Do you reckon? It sort of demonstrates though as well. 34 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:51,400 Speaker 1: I mean, you know they're going to people can get 35 00:01:51,400 --> 00:01:53,520 Speaker 1: their hands on OC spray, they can get their hands 36 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:55,760 Speaker 1: on knives, and if they're that way inclined, they're going 37 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 1: to use it regardless. 38 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:01,000 Speaker 2: Oh absolutely, Katie. We've got enough out there that people 39 00:02:01,040 --> 00:02:03,840 Speaker 2: are going to use. But I think that the incident 40 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:08,440 Speaker 2: on the weekend showed that if this person used this gas, 41 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:11,440 Speaker 2: which was one of the gases which was approved, we 42 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:15,120 Speaker 2: could have had a frontline worker seriously injured. 43 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:18,280 Speaker 1: So what are frontline workers saying to you at this 44 00:02:18,360 --> 00:02:21,600 Speaker 1: point and what are your concerns for them? 45 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:25,720 Speaker 2: So our real concern is if the government is going 46 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:29,760 Speaker 2: to have this legislation that allows people to use OC spray, 47 00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:33,560 Speaker 2: we need to ensure that we've got clear protocols for 48 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:38,440 Speaker 2: responding to ocy gas incidents. They've got areas for decontamination 49 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:43,560 Speaker 2: for the staff the shop, they've got risk assessment, they 50 00:02:43,600 --> 00:02:46,920 Speaker 2: know how to de escalate, and they get their afforded 51 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:51,200 Speaker 2: the proper training. So we're hearing they're from workers that 52 00:02:51,200 --> 00:02:54,160 Speaker 2: they're approaching their employers, and their employers a say no, 53 00:02:54,280 --> 00:02:58,160 Speaker 2: you cannot access these These are frontline employees. Do we 54 00:02:58,360 --> 00:03:02,040 Speaker 2: know get assaulted on a your basis? These are our paramedics, 55 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:05,960 Speaker 2: these are our security officers, these are our hospitality workers. 56 00:03:06,440 --> 00:03:09,680 Speaker 2: They're being forced into positions where they're at risk, where 57 00:03:09,680 --> 00:03:13,120 Speaker 2: they actually could be these OC gases could be used 58 00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:13,720 Speaker 2: against them. 59 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:16,480 Speaker 1: So at this point in time, what are they like, 60 00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:19,320 Speaker 1: what exactly are they asking for? I mean, are they 61 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:21,400 Speaker 1: asking for it to be taken off the shelves or 62 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:24,919 Speaker 1: are they asking for training in terms of that de escalation? 63 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:26,359 Speaker 1: What would they like to see? 64 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:29,600 Speaker 2: So the overall thing is people would like it to 65 00:03:29,639 --> 00:03:32,200 Speaker 2: be removed, but they know if it's going to remain, 66 00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:35,720 Speaker 2: they need to ensure that they've got the appropriate training 67 00:03:36,160 --> 00:03:40,200 Speaker 2: within their workplace, and that's not occurring in terms. 68 00:03:39,920 --> 00:03:43,080 Speaker 1: Of transit safety officers and also some security guards. I 69 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,400 Speaker 1: thought some of them were actually all ready to like 70 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:50,000 Speaker 1: they were able to carry and use coc spray under 71 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:52,800 Speaker 1: those measures that had been announced by the previous government 72 00:03:53,160 --> 00:03:56,400 Speaker 1: following the murder of Decklan Lavity. Do you know where 73 00:03:56,440 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 1: things are at with that. 74 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 2: Yes, So that's correct, Katie. So some of these workers 75 00:04:02,800 --> 00:04:05,720 Speaker 2: actually do have access to spray and that some of 76 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:09,880 Speaker 2: them security officers, etc. They do have it, but they're trained. 77 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:13,520 Speaker 2: But our biggest concern for the workers is because this 78 00:04:13,640 --> 00:04:17,320 Speaker 2: is now available to eligible people in the public. It's 79 00:04:17,360 --> 00:04:21,440 Speaker 2: a powerful chemical irritant that's intended for self defense, but 80 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:24,800 Speaker 2: in the hands of entering individuals, it will become a 81 00:04:24,839 --> 00:04:29,839 Speaker 2: tool for misuse, and our frontliner and all our workers 82 00:04:29,839 --> 00:04:32,560 Speaker 2: who work face to face with the public are at 83 00:04:32,680 --> 00:04:33,279 Speaker 2: high risk. 84 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:37,320 Speaker 1: So at this point in time, Erina, the United Workers 85 00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:40,720 Speaker 1: Union really calling for this trial to be scrapped. 86 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:45,360 Speaker 2: We would like it scrap Katie, but if it doesn't happen, 87 00:04:45,960 --> 00:04:48,599 Speaker 2: please sit down with the unions, please sit down with 88 00:04:48,680 --> 00:04:52,560 Speaker 2: the employee industry groups. Let's work together to ensure our 89 00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:57,480 Speaker 2: frontline and people facing workers are safe. They're provided with education, 90 00:04:57,640 --> 00:05:00,839 Speaker 2: they're provided with training. Let's do the together if this 91 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:03,440 Speaker 2: is something the government is going to bring in, because 92 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:06,520 Speaker 2: it is really irresponsible for the government to bring in 93 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:11,960 Speaker 2: legislation that allows this kind of chemical to be It 94 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:15,000 Speaker 2: can be misused and it could be actually used on 95 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:18,599 Speaker 2: a weapon on our workers and for the other public 96 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:19,080 Speaker 2: as well. 97 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:21,320 Speaker 1: Hey, I want to ask. I know that there's been 98 00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:27,039 Speaker 1: some issues raised around heat and overcrowding in Alice Springs 99 00:05:27,080 --> 00:05:29,840 Speaker 1: on the ABC this morning, a prison guard raising these 100 00:05:30,120 --> 00:05:34,080 Speaker 1: concerns anonymously. Have these been raised with you and to 101 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:37,359 Speaker 1: the union and what exactly are they worried about. 102 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:40,479 Speaker 2: Well, the big thing, Katie, I think we've taught this 103 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,640 Speaker 2: quite regularly on your show. We're coming up to the 104 00:05:44,680 --> 00:05:49,400 Speaker 2: peak time for riots in Alice Springs, so there's still 105 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:52,400 Speaker 2: no there be no heat mitigations have been put into 106 00:05:52,480 --> 00:05:55,800 Speaker 2: place all them. Our major works for the G block 107 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:59,359 Speaker 2: have not been completed yet or they're not going to 108 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:02,799 Speaker 2: go ahead, for example, the air conditioning in G Block. 109 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:06,160 Speaker 2: So this is our biggest concerns for our officers than 110 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:10,760 Speaker 2: Alice Springs is they're walking straight into trouble and it 111 00:06:10,839 --> 00:06:13,240 Speaker 2: could happen any day. Now, How are the. 112 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:16,280 Speaker 1: Numbers and stuff looking in Alice Springs at the moment? Again, 113 00:06:16,400 --> 00:06:18,920 Speaker 1: I know you and I have spoken on numerous occasions 114 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:22,120 Speaker 1: when it comes to those staffing levels in Alice Springs 115 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:25,680 Speaker 1: and the prison numbers as well. I mean, has there 116 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:29,280 Speaker 1: sort of been any respite whatsoever in terms of the 117 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:31,919 Speaker 1: you know, the number of prisoners and some of the 118 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:34,640 Speaker 1: changes that have been made with corrections across the board. 119 00:06:35,560 --> 00:06:39,360 Speaker 2: It's getting a little bit better. May so we've got 120 00:06:39,360 --> 00:06:42,279 Speaker 2: a few more officers, which is fantastic, but the numbers 121 00:06:42,320 --> 00:06:44,920 Speaker 2: are growing, So we're still with the numbers are growing, 122 00:06:45,520 --> 00:06:48,680 Speaker 2: I say, staffing levels for officers is still an issue. 123 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:51,640 Speaker 2: So we're still roughly between twenty five to thirty five 124 00:06:51,720 --> 00:06:53,080 Speaker 2: officers down per day. 125 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:57,080 Speaker 1: Okay, so still quite a few. Well, I mean there's 126 00:06:57,120 --> 00:07:00,440 Speaker 1: no doubt that that then raises concerns around say, what 127 00:07:00,480 --> 00:07:02,479 Speaker 1: are people saying to you? What are those prison guards 128 00:07:02,520 --> 00:07:04,359 Speaker 1: saying to you? And Alice Springs and really across the 129 00:07:04,360 --> 00:07:07,800 Speaker 1: board at the moment, well, you've still. 130 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:11,080 Speaker 2: Got us serious concerns with the safe staffing levels without 131 00:07:11,840 --> 00:07:15,560 Speaker 2: throughout Northern Territory. With our correctional officers in Darwin, Alice 132 00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:17,920 Speaker 2: Springs in the work camps, they're still one of their 133 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:21,559 Speaker 2: major concerns. They are still concerned will they come home 134 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:24,960 Speaker 2: each night. Things are getting a little bit better, but 135 00:07:24,960 --> 00:07:27,960 Speaker 2: there's still a lot more work to do. They still 136 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 2: do not feel that Commission of Varley is listening to them. 137 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:36,040 Speaker 2: Everything's just driven about numbers, numbers, numbers, but they're not 138 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:39,080 Speaker 2: actually considering the safety of officers well. 139 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 1: Erina Early, I always appreciate your time. Thank you very 140 00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 1: much for having a chat with us this morning. 141 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:46,000 Speaker 2: Thanks Katie, have a great day you too. 142 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:46,760 Speaker 1: Thank you