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Senator Sam McMahon labels Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker ‘devious’ over remote police funding calls

THE Territory’s top cop has been described as ‘devious’ and ‘mischievous’ in a stunning attack by CLP federal senator Sam McMahon. HEAR THE AUDIO here

CLP federal senator Sam McMahon has described the Territory’s Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker as ‘devious’ and ‘mischievous’ in a stunning attack
CLP federal senator Sam McMahon has described the Territory’s Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker as ‘devious’ and ‘mischievous’ in a stunning attack

THE Territory’s top cop has been described as “devious” and “mischievous” in a stunning attack by CLP federal senator Sam McMahon.

Ms McMahon was responding to comments made by Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker over his push to get an outcome from the federal government on funding for remote police.

NT's top cop ‘devious’ says CLP Senator Sam McMahon

Federal government funding for remote cops was introduced after the Intervention in 2007, but is due to end in 2022.

Speaking to Katie Woolf on Mix 104.9 on Wednesday, Mr Chalker called for clarity around funding for police after June 2022.

“It will be bitterly disappointing if we don’t get appropriate funding,” he said.

He said if funding was not secured, he would be forced to cut back on remote policing.

NT's top cop ‘devious’ says CLP Senator Sam McMahon

“I’ll need to consolidate my resources clearly, and that means remote Aboriginal communities that have now had a police facility and some ad hoc police presence for the last 13 years will likely have a reduced service footprint,” he said.

“Again it goes back to the fact that I can only spread the force so thin.”

Mr Chalker alluded to the fact that politicians were not doing enough to push the issue of funding for remote cops at the federal level.

“I’m concerned people of great privilege are not letting the prime minister know the truth,” he said.

NT's top cop ‘devious’ says CLP Senator Sam McMahon

But, speaking to Katie Woolf in a follow-up interview on Mix 104.9 on Thursday morning, Ms McMahon said Mr Chalker was being “devious” and “mischievous”, claiming he was acting like the end date to the funding was a surprise.

“They (Commissioner Chalker and Police Minister Nicole Manison) are both being quite mischievous in saying this is a surprise this is coming to an end, this is a shock to us. They are in fact well aware of where the funding fits,” Senator McMahon said.

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Senator McMahon said. neither Commissioner Chalker nore Ms Manison had made any contact with her to voice their concerns.

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“They just need to pick up the phone and I am more than happy to help,” she said.

judith.aisthorpe@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/senator-sam-mcmahon-labels-police-commissioner-minister-devious-over-remote-police-funding-calls/news-story/45f4e300185a9a2c07475bc456c5bceb