NT Government appoints Michael Murphy as new Police Commissioner

Michael Murphy has stepped into the NT Police Commissioner role permanently, four months on from Jamie Chalker’s shock exit. Here’s why it could mark a turning point for police.

The Territory government has revealed Michael Murphy will become the next NT Police Commissioner.

It comes about four months after Jamie Chalker’s bungled exit from the role.

Mr Murphy had been acting in the role since his predecessor’s departure and had indicated he would apply for the permanent position.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles on Thursday announced Mr Murphy as the highest ranking officer in the NT, citing his career with the NT police going back to 1997.

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The decorated officer of more than 26 years has worked across the Territory’s urban and remote locations.

He was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 2017 and a year later awarded the Australian Police Medal.

He is the only police commissioner in Territory history to have served in every rank.

Michael Murphy has been appointed the new NT Police Commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Michael Murphy is a diligent police officer, who leads by example,” Ms Fyles said.

“He has risen through the ranks with hard work, perseverance and a dedication to serve and protect the people of the Northern Territory.

“He understands his workforce and he wants the best for his officers.”

Mr Murphy said it was “a privilege” to be named the new Police Commissioner and Fire and Emergency services chief executive.

“It’s been an incredibly tumultuous three years on the back of Covid … increased demands across all areas of emergency services,” he said.

“We really need to sharpen the focus in the crime types for a safer Territory and looking after Territorians, particularly across the scourge of domestic violence.”

Mr Murphy said the murder charge laid on Zach Rolfe, of which the police officer was later acquitted of, had been “incredibly impacting” on police morale.

Rolfe was found not guilty of the charge at trial.

“It’s about rebuilding trust with the community and it’s about rebuilding trust in the workforce with the executive team as well,” he said.

Mr Murphy said the “whole of government” along with the commonwealth needed to work with the police force on facing the disadvantage of First Nations people, property crime and youth investment.

The appointment comes just days after the annual NT Police Association conference, in which Mr Murphy revealed more than 450 officers had left the force in the past three years.

Police Minister Kate Worden said Mr Murphy’s appointment marked a “line in the sand” for police morale. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NTPA president Nathan Finn said the union welcomed Mr Murphy’s appointment.

“I have already made my key priorities clear to Commissioner Murphy, including the safety and wellbeing of members, staffing and resourcing, as well as recruitment and retention,” he said.

“Our members deserve a Commissioner that will have their best interests’ at the fore, and support the incredibly challenging work they do each and every day.”

Police Minister Kate Worden said Mr Murphy’s appointment marked a “line in the sand” after a tumultuous period for police morale.

“We are able to go forward with that stability … those (police) that I’ve spoken to on the ground have been really looking forward to an announcement,” she said.

“It is a significant day, as the Chief Minister said, for the Northern Territory police and the future direction of our force.”

The government also revealed a long-awaited review into police resourcing would start in September, with former NTPA president Vice Kelly appointed to lead the inquiry.

A final report is expected to be released publicly by the end of March next year.

Ms Fyles said the government was committed to endorsing its recommendations, including those made during and after the review.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the CLP welcomed Mr Murphy’s appointment to the top job.

“We know our hardworking police are under resourced and need a strong advocate at the helm, I have no doubt that Michael Murphy will lead with integrity and provide stability to the force,” she said.