NT police say they have no confidence Chief Minister supports them

NT Police Association President Paul McCue has again let fly at Chief Minister Michael Gunner over accusations he made against the NTPA following comments he made over the death of a Warlpiri man in Yuendemu.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said police officers and the wider community deserve better than what the chief minister has been saying. Picture: EMMA MURRAY

NT Police Association president Paul McCue has again let fly at Chief Minister Michael Gunner over accusations he made against the NTPA following comments he made in relation to the death of a Warlpiri man in Yuendumu.

“This week the Chief Minister stood up in parliament and said his comments have been deliberately misinterpreted by our association … what an absolute disgrace,” Mr McCue said. “Our members and the wider community deserve better. A leader should represent all members of the community and not seize on a tragedy for political point scoring.

“Mr Gunner’s ongoing comments on this matter demonstrate his lack of understanding of the separation of powers, as even a perception of influence calls into question his integrity and the integrity of police. Chief Minister, the NTPA – on behalf of our members, their family, friends and everyone in the community who back our police officers – does not have confidence that you fully support our members.”

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Mr Gunner’s addressed a crowd in Yuendumu in the days following the shooting death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker by police officer Zach Rolfe, who has been charged with murder.

The Chief Minister said: “I can promise you that investigation will be independent and the consequences will flow as a result of that investigation”, when referring to an independent Coroner’s investigation.”

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Mr McCue had asked Mr Gunner to withdraw his comment.

“Our members are disgusted at the inference this comment draws with respect to the actions of police on the night of the incident,” Mr McCue said.

In response, far from retracting the Chief Minister said when the NT Police Association got the chance to reflect, “they will see they have overreacted.”

“Many people are hurting at the moment including police,” Mr Gunner said.

“A lot of people are looking to take offence where there isn’t any.”