Latest news with #ZacharyRolfe
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Organisers reveal what's next after Zachary Rolfe speech cancelled by protests
Organisers of an event where a NT former cop acquitted of murder was due to speak have lashed out at protesters, describing their 'intolerance and animosity' as 'deeply troubling'. They also refuted claims that Zachary Rolfe, the police officer who was acquitted of murder in 2022 for the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker, was offered or requested payment to appear at the invite-only gathering and said a reported $10,000 speaking fee was 'fabricated'. 'The Black Lives Matter protesters believe they stopped the summit from going ahead, but they did not,' a spokeswoman for the organisers told 'The decision to change the course of the event was made due to the intolerance and animosity displayed by a select group of protesters. That hostility was not only directed at the event and its speakers but at the broader emergency services community it represents.' The Frontline Summit: Purpose in Service and Beyond, to be held in Parramatta, was designed to support current and former emergency services personnel in transitioning to post-service careers. Mr Rolfe was one of seven speakers invited to share his experiences. Organisers said the backlash from protesters was 'an attack on freedom of speech and the right for professionals within the emergency services community to gather in a closed and private setting'. 'The planned disruption aimed at silencing those who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the public is deeply troubling,' the spokeswoman said 'If we, as a community, cannot come together without facing attempted disruption to honour and support those who serve, that is highly concerning.' The organisers rescheduled the event when they were notified by police that a protest was being planned. 'While those who are still bound by general orders and media policies are constrained in expressing their frustration, as organisers of this event, we who have served and are no longer subject to such restrictive policies feel compelled to address this reprehensible behaviour publicly,' the organisers said. 'It is our duty to stand where others cannot, and to speak truth where silence is mandated.' They also emphasised the irony of protesters targeting emergency services workers, many of whom they say would be the first to respond in a crisis. 'We are confident that the same individuals who protested would not hesitate to call emergency services if they were injured, in danger, or if their house was burning down. Yet they choose to disrupt and undermine those who have dedicated their lives to serving them. 'Emergency services lives matter too.' Mr Rolfe was acquitted of murder and manslaughter after a five-week trial in Darwin, during which the court heard he shot Mr Walker, a 19-year-old Warlpiri man, while attempting to arrest him in the remote community of Yuendumu. A coronial inquest into Mr Walker's death is due to deliver its findings on July 7.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Former cop who shot dead 19-year-old Aboriginal man during arrest attempt reveals his surprising next move
A former NT police officer who fatally shot an Indigenous teenager during an arrest attempt will speak on a panel for an upcoming networking event. Zachary Rolfe, who was acquitted of murder in 2022 after shooting Kumanjayi Walker three times in 2019, is among eight speakers at the Frontline Summit: Purpose in Service and Beyond being held in Parramatta, west of Sydney, on Saturday. The event held at Parramatta Barracks between 9am to 5pm promises 'expert speakers, practical sessions, and networking opportunities'. Announcing the summit, organisers said it aimed to 'create a community, helping our colleagues find purpose in service and transition when leaving the job'. Mr Rolfe described the event in a post online as a 'solid day with the right people, pushing the culture in the right direction', as reported by The Guardian. The former NT officer could reportedly be paid up to $10,000 for talks on 'leadership, crisis management and ethical decision-making'. Online ticket sales for the summit appear to have been suspended on Tuesday. A protest calling for an end to black deaths in custody is being held at Parramatta Square on the same day, with the march scheduled to finish at the Barracks. The rally is calling for justice for Kumanjayi White – a 24-year-old man from Yuendumu who died in an unrelated incident while in police custody inside Coles in Alice Springs on May 27. No charges have been laid, no cause of death has been determined, nor have the officers allegedly involved in the incident been stood down. In November 2019, Mr Rolfe fatally shot Mr Walker during a botched arrest attempt in the rural town of Yuendumu, 290km northwest of Alice Springs. Mr Rolfe was stabbed with scissors during the arrest. He was found not guilty of all charges following a high-profile five week trial in the Supreme Court in 2022. The former police officer is now represented by by Robert Joske Management whose clients include former Foreign Affairs minister Alexander Downer and former Queensland premier Anna Bligh. In an online bio for Mr Rolfe, it reads his life 'took a dramatic turn' following Mr Walker's death. 'Throughout this gruelling process, he (Mr Rolfe) exhibited remarkable resilience, navigating legal complexities with the same focus and determination that characterised his military and policing careers,' the bio read. '(Mr Rolfe) will offer compelling insights into critical aspects of modern corporate leadership through his engaging talks.' The inquest into Mr Walker's death began following Mr Rolfe's acquittal. When Mr Rolfe gave evidence at the inquest, he claimed there was 'racist awards' within the NT Police Force. Meanwhile, Ian Freckleton, representing the NT Police, alleged Mr Rolfe was a 'racist', reported NT News. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage is due to declare her findings on July 7. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Rolfe and a representative for the Frontline Summit for comment.
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- The Guardian
Zachary Rolfe offered speaking services on ‘leadership, ethical decision-making' for up to $10,000
Zachary Rolfe, the police officer who was acquitted of murder in 2022 for the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker, has been offering his services on the speaking circuit, where he could be booked for $5,001-$10,000 to deliver talks on 'leadership, crisis management and ethical decision-making'. Rolfe is named as a speaker at an event for first responders in Parramatta in Sydney on Saturday called Frontline Summit Purpose in Service and Beyond alongside other former first responders. Rolfe posted about the event online, saying: 'It will be a solid day with the right people, pushing the culture in the right direction.' A protest calling for the end to black deaths in custody is planned in Parramatta Square on the day of the event, with the advertisement referencing Rolfe's presence at the event. The organiser of the Frontline Summit has been contacted for comment. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Rolfe, a former soldier and police officer who now runs a private investigations company, was listed as a speaker on the website of Platinum Speakers, which has nearly 2,000 speakers advertised. His speaker profile appeared to have been removed from the Platinum Speakers website after the company was contacted by Guardian Australia on Monday afternoon. Platinum Speakers said they had never booked a speaking gig for Rolfe, adding: 'We do not work with him.' Before it was taken down, Rolfe's profile on the site described him as 'Soldier Policeman Hero' and said that in his talks he 'speaks from the heart and is backed with experiences very few will endure. He is decorated for bravery and stands tall on the principles of fair play and ethical behaviour.' Walker's death was referenced in Rolfe's speaker biography, which said: 'Zach's career took a dramatic turn following a fatal shooting during an arrest, leading to his arrest and a high-profile murder trial. 'Throughout this gruelling process, he exhibited remarkable resilience, navigating legal complexities with the same focus and determination that characterised his military and policing careers. Acquitted in a landmark decision, Zach's experience offers profound insights into the intersection of law enforcement, justice and media perception. 'Zach Rolfe's journey from soldier to police officer, through a high-profile trial, and on to a new career as a private investigator, underscores his enduring commitment to service, bravery and the pursuit of justice.' Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Rolfe was found not guilty of murder in relation to the shooting death of Walker in the remote community of Yuendumu, about 300km from Alice Springs. He was also cleared of the alternative charges of manslaughter and engaging in a violent act causing death. The verdict came after an almost five-week trial in the supreme court in Darwin, which heard Rolfe shot Walker, a 19-year-old Warlpiri man, while trying to arrest him. Rolfe defended the charges on the grounds he feared for the life of his partner Adam Eberl and was acting in good faith and 'the reasonable performance of his duties'. A coronial inquest into Walker's death was due to return its findings earlier this month, but has been delayed at the request of the local community, following the death of Kumanjayi White in Alice Springs in May. It will now be handed down on 7 July. Rolfe's manager, Robert Joske, did not reply to requests for comment. Rolfe was contacted for comment.
