The Northern Territory government is in the line of fire over the escalation of violence in the town of Alice Springs, which has made international headlines in recent weeks.

Last night, thousands of locals came together to discuss the alcohol-fuelled surge in violence and crime.

Garth Thompson organised the Save Alice Springs meeting which was held last night and said the escalation of violence and anger is “downright disgusting”.

Around 3000 people attended.

“We as a town have been neglected by our government for far too long, and in recent years it has escalated to the point that it’s driving people away from the place,” he told Sofie Formica.

“It’s creating concern to the extent that tourism is struggling, businesses are closing, people are being attacked in town verbally and physically face to face and it never used to be like this.”

Mr Thompson said he has lived in town for 44 years and doesn’t want to see the town go any further backwards.

Press PLAY below to hear what they want to happen next

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