Martin Dole appointed as next NT Police Commissioner: To be based in Alice Springs

Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole has been chosen to head up the Territory Police Force officially replacing Michael Murphy and will be the first to be based in Alice Springs.

The Chief Minister has announced Martin Dole APM will be appointed as the 15th Northern Territory Police Commissioner, the first to be based in Alice Springs.

Mr Dole had been acting in the role since March when former commissioner Michael Murphy was stood down.

Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Mr Dole to a four-year-term, with the recommendation now proceeding to the NT Administrator Hugh Heggie for formal approval.

He is expected to be sworn in on October 31.

Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Dole, a veteran of NT Police, brought exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges and commitment required for the job.

NT deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, and new NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole address media inside the Alice Springs Police Station, October 9, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“Over the past seven months I have worked with Acting Commissioner Dole directly and seen him focus on the interests of frontline officers and community safety,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“I am confident Commissioner Dole will take the force forward in the interests of the community and our hardworking front line.

“NT Police has faced significant challenges over many years – now it is time to move forward with strong leadership and a clear focus.”

Martin Dole APM has been chosen as the next NT Police Commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Dole said he was “incredibly honoured” to take on the top job when addressing media inside the Alice Springs police station Thursday morning.

“To the people of the Northern Territory, can I say to you, my commitment to you is to continue to build on restoring trust (and) confidence in the Northern Territory Police Force,” he said.

“To the men and women of the Northern Territory Police Force, I’m incredibly proud of the work that you do every single shift, every single day.

“My commitment to you as the next Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force is to continue to ensure that you’ve got the resources you need, the legislation that empowers you and the support from the leadership of this organisation that you need to continue to do your job to keep the Northern Territory safe.”

NT deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and new NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole address media inside the Alice Springs Police Station, October 9, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Commissioner Murphy was ousted after an Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) report criticised his “unsatisfactory” conflict of interest management during a recruitment process.

Last week a long-awaited independent report into senior police appointments commissioned in the wake of the scandal was delivered.

Report author Acting Justice Alan Blow found “widely held beliefs” that promotions were affected by favouritism and bias, and that “significant improvements” were needed to recruitment processes.

Justice Blow said limitations in the review prevented him from making findings into the allegations, including whether each of the appointees had been the most suitable person for the job.

The government has accepted all six of Justice Blow’s recommendations to improve police hiring practices.

Mrs Finocchiaro said Mr Dole had “absolutely committed” to delivering the reforms, and that “we will do them swiftly”.

She said Mr Dole’s own appointment as commissioner was based on merit.

“Commissioner Dole has been appointed on those principles ... this is about merit for the role and merit for the rank,” she said.

Born and bred in Alice Springs and raised in Yuendumu in his early years, Mr Dole joined the NT Police Force in 1997 and has worked across the Territory in urban, regional and remote communities.

He was made a detective in 2004 and held many investigative roles, including in the Sexual Crime Unit, Major Crime Unit, and Drug Enforcement Unit.

Mr Dole was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Regional and Remote Operations in December 2021, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in May 2024.

A ceremony to mark the commencement of Mr Dole’s tenure will be held at Government House on October 31, to mark 29 years to the day he graduated as a constable.