Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy has resigned effective immediately, following mounting pressure from an inquiry into police misconduct that has exposed systemic failures and alleged cover-ups within the force. The resignation comes just days after the release of a damning interim report by the Law Reform Commission, which detailed cases of excessive force, false arrests, and a culture of impunity among officers.
Inquiry Findings and Resignation
The interim report, published on Wednesday, found that at least 15 officers had been involved in serious misconduct over the past five years, with only two facing disciplinary action. It also revealed that senior management had suppressed internal investigations to protect colleagues. Murphy, who had served as commissioner since 2020, announced his resignation in a brief statement, saying he took "full responsibility for the failures identified."
According to the Law Reform Commission, the inquiry received over 200 submissions from the public, including allegations of assault, racial profiling, and evidence tampering. One submission described how a 45-year-old Aboriginal man was Tasered and repeatedly punched after being stopped for a minor traffic offence. The report noted that such incidents were "not isolated" but part of a broader pattern of misconduct.
Government Response and Next Steps
Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the resignation was "the right decision" and announced that Deputy Commissioner Jamie Chalker would act as interim commissioner. She also pledged to implement all 23 recommendations from the interim report, including establishing an independent oversight body for the police force. "The people of the Northern Territory deserve a police service they can trust," Lawler said. "We will not tolerate misconduct."
The opposition has called for a full judicial inquiry, arguing that the Law Reform Commission lacks the power to compel witnesses. However, Lawler ruled this out, saying the existing process was sufficient. The final report is due in December.
Broader Implications
The scandal has reignited debates about police accountability and Indigenous relations in the NT, where Aboriginal people make up 30% of the population but account for a disproportionate number of arrests and deaths in custody. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, Indigenous Australians are 11 times more likely to be imprisoned than non-Indigenous Australians. The inquiry has heard evidence that racial bias is endemic in the force.
Murphy's resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Australian police forces amid misconduct scandals. In 2024, the Queensland Police commissioner resigned after an inquiry into domestic violence among officers. The NT government has allocated $10 million for reforms, including body-worn cameras for all frontline officers and mandatory cultural awareness training.
