The NT police union says the Government is dragging out enterprise bargaining to score a cheap deal.

The NT Police Association’s Paul McCue says the union has been in negotiations since February, its contract expired in June, but there is no end to the talks in sight.

“The sticking point is the term of the agreement,” Mr McCue told NT News.

“Government representatives are pushing for four years, and our police have historically and efficiently ­negotiated three-year deals.

“A four-year deal would mean the next negotiation takes place in year one of a four-year government term. It would appear the Territory Government is pushing negotiations for police into a corner to suit a political agenda.”

The NTPA reportedly found out that the Government was seeking a four-year deal only when talks began in February, as its standing wage policy indicated a three-year period for the upcoming deal.

Mr McCue said that four-year plan was irregular, and that the Government firmly stipulated 2.5 per cent annual pay rise is not the stumbling block.

“We respect and appreciate the economic landscape and are not unreasonable with our salary expectations, keeping in line with the 2.5 per cent policy,” he said.

“[But] at a time when crime statistics are less than favourable, when police officers are being seriously assaulted ... and we’ve got police numbers going backwards, we have a Government that does not want to be fair and reasonable toward our police.”

NT Public Employment commissioner Craig Allen said all unions were being offered four-year deals, and that Police were offered a 3 per cent wage rise for the fourth year.

“Four-year agreements give employees certainty of the quantum of the pay rise and the 2.5 per cent pay rise over four years is one of the best in the country,” he said.

Mr McCue said it was unlikely his members would accept the latest offer.