NT Police Association members elect Nathan Finn as new president

The new president of the Territory’s police union says he’s ready for the top job despite a spate of challenges facing cops. Here’s how he will lead the NTPA.

Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) President Paul McCue addresses media regarding the key results from their 2020 pre-election member survey. Picture: Che Chorley

The new head of the Territory’s police union says he’s ready to step into the role after “some of the most challenging” few years cops have ever faced.

Nathan Finn was declared the new president of the NT Police Association on Friday after a full member vote.

Mr Finn defeated Lisa Bayliss, who will continue in the senior vice president role, as well as Joshua Cunningham and Ben Coleman.

Adam Swift was elected the new vice president.

As a senior sergeant, Mr Finn has about two decades of frontline experience, working across remote and regional stations in both general duties and supervisor roles.

Nathan Finn has been declared the new NTPA president. Picture: Supplied

As he transitions from police operations to NTPA’s 33rd president, Mr Finn says he is “honoured and privileged” to be elected.

“The last few years have been some of the most challenging our members have ever faced,” he said.

“Now more than ever, we need to use our collective strength to lobby government and the senior police executive to ensure the best interests our of members is protected and progressed.”

Mr Finn said he acknowledged the members who nominated for positions on the board.

He also thanked his predecessor Paul McCue.

“It’s not an easy task and the number and calibre of candidates who nominated is testament to the quality of our membership as a whole,” he said.

“Importantly, I’d like to acknowledge the leadership of outgoing president Paul McCue and pay tribute to his commitment and hard work during his two-term tenure as president.

“Paul’s unwavering dedication and determination have left an enduring mark on our association.”

Mr McCue, who held the top job for eight years, welcomed his successor after bidding farewell to the “most rewarding” role he ever had.

Former NT Police Association president Paul McCue will remain in the NT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Congratulations to our new president, Nathan Finn, who I have no doubt will continue leading the hard work in representing all members’ best interests with government and the senior police executive,” he said.

Mr Finn’s election comes as the agency battles critical staffing and morale issues, with about 97 per cent of members saying they do not think there is enough police on the beat nor support from the Territory government.

The government has recently promised to fund an independent policing resource review – something both the political opposition and police union have long called for.

However Police Minister Kate Worden would not be drawn on a timeline on the review though, saying a new electronic rostering system had to be finished first.

A national recruitment process is also under way for a new NT Police Commissioner.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy, who has been acting in the role since Jamie Chalker’s shock departure, has confirmed he is contending to take on the job permanently.

Territory Families deputy chief executive Jeanette Kerr has also reportedly put her hat in the ring.

The NTPA ballot, run by the Australian Electoral Commission, also involved the election of new branch executive members of the Police Federation of Australia.

The NT’s five new members to sit on the national union are Evan Kelly, Amelia Scott, Todd Lymbery, Brodie Anderson and Colin Quedley.

Mr Finn will also sit on the PFA board.