Zachary Rolfe: Sacked former NT Police officer hired for Frontline Summit in Sydney

Former Territory cop Zach Rolfe – who shot a 19-year-old man during a botched arrest attempt – has been signed up for a speaking gig at an upcoming summit in Sydney.

Former NT Cop Zach Rolfe has an upcoming speaking in Parramatta, Sydney, on June 21. Now deleted posts on the internet have advertised Rolfe's speaking services for thousands of dollars.

Former Territory cop Zach Rolfe – who shot a 19-year-old man during an arrest attempt – has been signed up for a speaking gig at an upcoming summit in Sydney.

Mr Rolfe, who was acquitted of murder in the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in 2022, is set to speak at the Frontline Summit event in Parramatta this Saturday.

The event is being marketed as a “full-day event aimed at creating a community for first responders, helping them find purpose in service and transition when leaving the job”.

The poster for the upcoming Frontline Summit in Parramatta, Sydney, on June 21 featuring Former NT Cop Zach Rolfe. Now deleted posts on the internet have advertised Rolfe's speaking services for thousands of dollars.

The summit will “feature expert speakers, practical sessions, and networking opportunities”.

Mr Rolfe is one of eight “expert speakers” billed to talk to on the day, according to the poster for the event.

However, the online page where punters could purchase tickets at $100 a pop, has since been taken down.

According to news outlets including Crikey and Guardian Australia, Rolfe is reportedly charging between $5001 to $10k for a speaking gig.

Questions have been sent to the event organisers asking how much Mr Rolfe is charging to talk at the event, and why he was chosen to speak.

This masthead did not receive a reply.

At the same time the event is due to take place, a rally calling for “justice for Yuendumu” is due to take place in Parramatta.

The rally is calling for justice for Kumanjayi White – a 24-year-old man from Yuendumu who died in an unrelated incident while in custody inside Coles in Alice Springs on May 27.

Police enter Coles in Alice Springs. A man has died inside Alice Springs Coles on May 27, 2025, with police saying he was in custody at the time. Picture: Gera Kazakov

No cause of death has yet been determined in Mr White’s death, no charges have been laid, nor have the officers allegedly involved been stood down over the death.

Mr Rolfe is now represented by Robert Joske Management, who counts former Foreign Affairs minister Alexander Downer and former Queensland premier Anna Bligh as some of his clients – according to his website.

On Mr Joske’s website, the online bio for Mr Rolfe stated his life “took a dramatic turn” after the Walker shooting.

“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 continued.

“(Mr Rolfe) will offer compelling insights into critical aspects of modern corporate leadership through his engaging talks.”

Mr Joske said Mr Rolfe has been a client for “about 12 months”.

“The support we provide to any of our clients is kept confidential,” he said.

Prior to the botched 2019 Yuendumu arrest attempt, in which Kumanjayi Walker ultimately died, Mr Rolfe had received bravery medals for his service.

Awards included a bravery medal from the Chinese government for helping rescue Chinese tourists stranded on the Hugh River in 2018.

Former NT Police constable Zach Rolfe leaves the Alice Springs Local Court in May 2024, during the final week of evidence at an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker. Picture: Jason Walls

After Mr Rolfe’s acquittal in 2022, the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker began, with Coroner Elisabeth Armitage due to hand down her findings on July 7.

When Mr Rolfe gave evidence at the inquest, he tendered evidence of ‘racist awards’ within the NT Police.

At closing submissions Ian Freckelton, representing the NT Police, alleged Rolfe was a “racist”.

Lawyer Luke Officer, representing Mr Rolfe, called the allegations of racism an “extrapolation” and said the Coroner “should be careful not to single out Mr Rolfe” when responding.

In April, Mr Rolfe submitted a report he claimed showed a “prima facie case” of racism within the NT Police, responding to a challenge issued by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro to substantiate allegations of racism with the Territory’s police force.

Mr Rolfe was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Zachary Rolfe: Sacked former NT Police officer hired for Frontline Summit in Sydney