Chief Minister Natasha Fyles stops short of overwhelming Jamie Chalker support

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has refused to state unequivocally if embattled NT Police Commissioner has her support or the backing of the government.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has refused to say if she has confidence in Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker.

On Saturday Sky News revealed the government had asked Mr Chalker to resign after losing confidence in his ability to continue in the role.

Mr Chalker has taken indefinite leave.

Addressing the media for the first time since the report, Ms Fyles confirmed Mr Chalker was on leave but refused to say if she had asked him to resign or if she still had confidence in him.

“I have indicated to you that Mr Chalker is on leave … that’s all I will be saying,” she said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker at the Howard Springs facility near Darwin in March. Picture: Pema Tamang

Ms Fyles was asked several times whether she had confidence in Mr Chalker but she repeated the same answer.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue called on Ms Fyles to “demonstrate leadership” on the issue.

“Chief Minister Fyles must address these reports directly, and clarify the situation immediately,” Mr McCue said.

“Every single day our members are faced with challenging, volatile, and dangerous situations, and the last thing they need is the added stress and uncertainty caused by rumours about the leadership.

NTPA president Paul McCue said the Territory government urgently needed to clarify the future of Mr Chalker’s role as Commissioner. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“Members deserve a transparent explanation from government and reassurance that the NT Police force leadership is stable and prioritising our members’ resourcing, safety and wellbeing.”

Mr McCue said the Territory government’s silence on the issue continued to erode the public confidence and trust in the force.

“In the interests of our members, the community and Commissioner Chalker, the Chief Minister must demonstrate leadership on this issue and confirm if Mr Chalker is to remain as Commissioner of Police,” he said.

Sources have told Sky News the government asked Mr Chalker to resign after a cabinet meeting last Friday.

NT Police have not responded to questions sent by Sky News on Saturday.

Ms Fyles said Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy had been appointed acting commissioner while Mr Chalker was on approved leave.

Mr Murphy sent an internal broadcast to all police on Saturday night.

“You may be aware of media reports regarding the Commissioner of Police and CEO of the NTPFES, Mr Jamie Chalker APM,” it said.

“Commissioner Chalker is currently on approved leave and I will be acting commissioner and CEO as planned.

“NTPFES have not received any official announcements from the NT government regarding Commissioner Chalker.”

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Originally published as Chief Minister Natasha Fyles stops short of overwhelming Jamie Chalker support