Politics Now 'Racism' in the NT police. Will the government push for change?
Northern Territory Police Racism Exposed But Real Change Remains Elusive
The Northern Territory Coroner's inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker found former police constable Zachary Rolfe to be racist and identified institutional racism within parts of the NT Police.
The community felt validated by these findings, yet the coroner could not definitively say if racism directly caused Walker's death. Rolfe denies the findings, citing his acquittal in the Supreme Court.
Calls persist for systemic reform, including a National Police Ombudsman independent of the Territory Government and Police to improve accountability.
However, recent political developments show resistance to reform: the current CLP government canceled a broad racism review and plans to arm public housing officers despite community opposition.
Federal intervention remains tepid, with Indigenous Minister Melinda McCarthy supportive but lacking strong backing from the Prime Minister, limiting pressure on the NT government to enact meaningful change.
This complex interplay of political will, community demand for justice, and entrenched systemic issues leaves Indigenous people calling for truth-telling and self-determination unanswered.
Coroner Acknowledges NT Police Racism
- The coroner found cop Zachary Rolfe racist and highlighted institutional racism in NT Police.
- The family felt validated as racism was acknowledged as a factor in Kumanjayi Walker's death.
Family Hears Findings on Homeland
- Family and community in Yundamu heard the report on their homeland under a gum tree.
- Sitting together in the red dirt helped them process the coroner's unprecedented strong words.