"We need to talk about it as a country": The Alice Springs Mayor on the reality of life there

Alice Springs has come and gone from national news coverage over the past few years. It started with the lapse of alcohol and pornography bans in remote communities around Alice Springs in mid-2022. Property offences increased by almost 60%, assaults rose by 38%, and domestic violence assaults doubled. Since then, steps have been taken to reinstate restrictions, but the town and its surrounding communities have remained in the national spotlight. We debated who to speak with, but all roads pointed back to Matt Paterson, the young, outspoken Mayor who won the job by just two votes in 2021. We'd love it if you could complete our News Club survey. Want more News Club in your life? We've got you... Sign up to our News Club newsletter Watch all our interviews on Youtube Follow us on Instagram: @The Squiz PS: If you love what we do, the best way to support us is by clicking ‘follow’ on Apple or Spotify. A huge thanks to those who drop us a 5-star review, or even better—spread the word about News Club with your friends, family, colleagues... even your barista.