On 17 November 2024, journalist Nino Bucci published an article in the Guardian about an NT Police Officer who has returned to active duty, after a charge related to his partner’s death was dropped. It is a deeply tragic and disturbing story, and the Coroner’s report makes for harrowing reading. No one should have to endure what this woman went through. What makes it even more concerning is that the alleged perpetrator, a fellow police officer, has had all charges dropped and is now back serving as a member of the police force. This raises serious questions about the public's trust in the integrity of our police service
There is no doubt that the police face significant challenges, including under-resourcing and inadequate training. However, their primary responsibility is to protect the community and ensure public safety. For that, they need to maintain the trust of the people they serve. So when police fail to hold their own accountable, it sends a troubling message. In this case, where the victim was also a police officer, there are even more questions raised.
Just yesterday, we learned of the tragic death of yet another woman in the Northern Territory, reportedly due to domestic violence. This is the true crime and safety crisis we are facing here in the NT. It is imperative that we take immediate action to protect women and children from harm. Part of that means ensuring that the institutions meant to keep us safe are above reproach and free from any form of corruption or failure.
Our public institutions need to be trusted by the community to function effectively. The release of yesterday’s ICAC investigation findings casts serious doubt on both the police and the ICAC itself. The report concluded that “any person of reasonable intelligence” would see clear evidence of racism in certain historical awards, yet the investigation ”lacked the resources to follow up on these findings”. This is deeply concerning and undermines confidence in the integrity of these processes.
We’ve heard Police Commissioner Michael Murphy express his commitment to fostering a culture of safety, integrity, accountability, and professionalism within the Northern Territory Police Force, and his statement that there is "no place for racism or discrimination" within Police ranks. This is a positive step. However, words alone are not enough. There must also be zero tolerance for coercive control, domestic violence, and insufficient investigations. The public deserves more than promises—they deserve concrete action and meaningful reform.