NT government, police must apologise over ‘systemic racism’ in force: APONT
‘Racism a growing disease’: The peak body representing Aboriginal organisations in the Territory says government and top police brass must say sorry for denying systemic racism in the force.
Northern Territory
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The peak body representing Aboriginal organisations in the Territory has demanded an apology from government and top police brass for denying systemic racism in the NT Police force, calling for an independent review to be urgently launched.
Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT condemned Police Commissioner Michael Murphy for his recent admission he had felt “too busy” to take serious “blatantly racist” awards when first made aware of them.
The coalition of organisations – including the four land councils, the Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance NT, Aboriginal Housing NT, the NT Indigenous Business Network, and the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency – also took aim at Police Minister Brent Potter for saying there was presently no systemic racism in the force.
“These comments are incomprehensible, given that elite officers in the Territory Response Group handed out racist awards between 2007 and 2015,” APONT said in a statement.
“Denying racism within the NT police force amounts to ‘gaslighting’ of Aboriginal individuals and families who have repeatedly reported racism at the hands of police.
“This situation is unacceptable … Aboriginal people turn to the police for safety, protection and understanding at critical points in their lives.
“Instead, we experience racism, ridicule and dehumanisation.”
Tolerating or attempting to deny racism, was “in and of itself, racism”, APONT argued.
“We call for an immediate apology from the NT Police Commissioner and the Minister for Police,” it said.
“We also call for an urgent independent review of the NT Police Force with Terms of Reference explicitly addressing the role of systemic racism.”
APONT said the Chief Minister should also apologise to Aboriginal Territorians for distress caused by comments defending current police culture made by the commissioner, minister and herself, and for failing to address longstanding racism in the force.
Independent MLA Yingiya Mark Guyula said racism was “a growing disease” in the NT that has gone unchecked.
The member for Mulka said he was “very disappointed” the government and police executive had not provided a stronger response to the issues raised through the Kumanjayi Walker inquest.
“The fact that the Police Commissioner was informed of these highly offensive and racist awards long ago and did nothing about it, is clearly a sign of how completely normalised racism has become in the police force,” Mr Guyula said.
“We now need to see strong action taken to change a culture that normalises racism and
dehumanises people.
“The Commissioner and the government need to outline a clear path forward that attempts to rebuild trust with communities or risk maintaining a reputation as the most racist police force in Australia.
“On Yolŋu country I’ve called for resources for peacekeepers. Our elders can work with police – but we want to be treated as equals and we want to be recognised for our authority on our country.”
Mr Potter said there was already an investigation into police racism, pointing to an ICAC probe being carried out with help from police.
“No one wants to see racism, no one deserves to be racially discriminated and it has no place in our society,” he said.
“Even though recommendations from the Coronial have not been handed down yet, the NT Police Force is undergoing substantial organisational change led by Commissioner Murphy to ensure any form of racism in the force is stamped out and staff are supported.”
NT Police has been contacted for comment.
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