The Northern Territory, Australia, is set to introduce armed Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs) to patrol buses in cities including Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, and Alice Springs starting in June. This decision follows legislation passed by the NT government in September, aimed at tackling rising antisocial behavior on public transport. However, the move has been met with significant backlash from Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups who argue that it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal communities. Ben Grimes, chief executive of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), stated that there is no evidence to support the need for armed officers, suggesting that their presence could make people feel less safe. Grimes and others advocate for alternative measures, such as increased community support staff and culturally sensitive outreach programs. The NT government maintains that community safety is a priority and that the new officers will enhance public safety. Critics, including Labor MLA Chansey Paech, have expressed concerns that the approach mirrors tactics used in the United States, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of crime rather than resorting to armed enforcement. Yingiya Mark Guyula, an independent MLA, warned that this policy could lead to intimidation and fear among Aboriginal people.