The Case Of Kumanjayi Walker: Six years on, what's changed?
Jan 22, 2026
Melissa McKay, an ABC reporter who delivered crucial on-the-ground coverage of the Kumanjayi Walker case, discusses significant changes in policing since the coroner's findings of racism in Walker's death. She highlights new anti-racism strategies from NT Police and the challenges of implementing cultural shifts amidst internal resistance. McKay also addresses the importance of community trauma, police training in remote areas, and the political hesitance to confront systemic racism. Tune in for deep insights into the ongoing journey toward justice and understanding.
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Institutional Response And Targets
- The NT Police have launched an anti‑racism strategy and appointed a permanent commissioner after the coroner's findings.
- The plan targets training, whistleblower protections and aims for 30% Aboriginal employment in the force.
Government Reluctance To Acknowledge Findings
- The NT government has not formally recognised the coroner's systemic racism finding and has focused public comments on cost and length of the inquest.
- That reluctance risks slowing or diluting implementation of recommended reforms.
Visible Signs Of Cultural Shift
- Leanne Little reports behavioural shifts and returned artefacts as signs culture is changing within the force.
- She emphasises leadership and internal reporting as keys to reducing racist behaviour among officers.
