Internal review of NT PFES media unit found it ‘obstructive, secretive, uncooperative' documents reveal

AN internal review of NT Police’s media unit found it was generally viewed as “obstructive, secretive, and uncooperative” and had a “bunker mentality”, secret documents have revealed

A review of NT PFES’ media unit in 2019 found it to be “obstructive, secretive, and uncooperative” and had a “bunker mentality”, secret documents have revealed. Photograph: Che Chorley

AN internal review of NT Police’s media unit found it was generally viewed as “obstructive, secretive, and uncooperative” and had a “bunker mentality”, secret documents have revealed.

The NT News can reveal the review, conducted in early 2019 under the leadership of now-AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, made 20 recommendations on how the NTPFES media unit could improve so as to meet requirements and expectations.

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Two years on, an NTPFES spokesman said a “number of changes” had been made internally but did not specify how many of the recommendations were accepted, acted upon or completed.

“Greater access to NTPFES officers has been provided to media outlets, a wide range of capabilities and units within the tri-service have been made accessible and NTPFES media officers are available on call for extended periods of time, on weekends and when events occur,” he said.

The NT News is of the view it is regularly stonewalled by the media unit when asking questions or seeking information.

It comes as NT Police faces significant criticism for failing to inform the public of the alleged rape of a three-year-old boy in the front yard of a Karama home by a random stranger, releasing information only four days later.

The 2019 review, which involved speaking to media outlets, ministerial advisers and NTPFES employees, found the media unit had a “bunker mentality” which was a “barrier to its effectiveness”.

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It also found the media unit had failed to keep pace with expectations and there was a “lack of strategic planning and a comprehensive, contemporary media policy” which had contributed to the unit’s “ineffectiveness”.

The report’s single line of “significant praise” was reserved for NT Police’s media unit in Alice Springs, noting its “dedicated staff” and ability to build relationships in the community.

It was recommended in the report that media liaisons should be experienced and have a “proactive” approach to the news. It was also recommended that the media unit adopt a more “open and approachable” attitude and behaviour to the media.