08-07-2025
NAAJA not overly optimistic about change after Walker inquest
The NT's Police Commissioner has acknowledged "all forms of racism" have existed in the Police Force in the wake of the Coroner's findings into the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker.
Coroner Elisabeth Armitage delivered her findings yesterday into the fatal police shooting of 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker during an arrest in Yuendumu in 2019.
Northern Territory Police Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of all criminal charges over the death in 2022.
The Coroner yesterday found NT Police bore the hallmarks of institutional racism.
Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole's predecessor last year apologised for historic racism in the force.
Commissioner Dole says the force will take time to consider the coroner's 18 recommendations but is committed to stamping out racism.
Laura Tchillingurian spoke with Phil Boulten - the Lead Counsel for North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, who have been involved in the inquest from Day One.
