Coroner Finds NT Police Displayed Hallmarks of ‘Institutional Racism’

Coroner urges 32 reforms, including NT Police complaint overhaul, anti-racism strategy, and officer training on fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker.

A police vehicle outside the Alice Springs Police Station in Alice Springs, Australia, on Sept. 4, 2022. AAP Image/Aaron Bunch

A Northern Territory coroner has raised serious concerns about the NT Police Force, stating it shows signs of institutional racism in the aftermath of the 2019 shooting of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker by Constable Zachary Rolfe.

In her report, Coroner Elisabeth Armitage said Rolfe was racist and that the workplace culture in Alice Springs normalised such behaviour.