Michael Murphy has been named NT Police commissioner after botched ‘assassination’ of former top cop Jamie Chalker

Almost five months after Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles bungled her attempt to remove Jamie Chalker as Police Commissioner, she has announced his replacement.

Michael Murphy has been appointed the new NT Police Commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

The Northern Territory government says the appointment of a police commissioner will “draw a line in the sand” under the most turbulent period in its force’s ­history following Covid-19 and a fatal police shooting at ­Yuendumu.

Almost five months after Chief Minister Natasha Fyles botched her attempt to revoke Jamie Chalker’s appointment as commissioner, she announced his replacement on Thursday.

Ms Fyles revealed Michael Murphy, who has been acting in the top job since Mr Chalker’s “retirement”, has been appointed Commissioner of Police and chief executive of Fire and Emergency Services.

Mr Murphy joined the NT Police Force in 1997 and has served in urban and remote locations across the Territory.

In 2018, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal for his distinguished service and his ability to shape strategic thinking.

He was appointed assistant commissioner in 2017 and then deputy commissioner operations in 2018. He has been Acting Police Commissioner since April.

The father of three is the only police commissioner in Territory history to have served in every rank.

This comes after Mr Chalker in April launched legal proceedings against Ms Fyles and Police Minister Kate Worden over their botched attempt in March to revoke his statutory appointment six months before his contract ­expired.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles announces the new police commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The born-and-bred Territory cop, who joined the force 25 years ago, had planned to serve a ­second four-year term after his contract expired in November.

After receiving a letter from Ms Fyles asking him to resign, Mr Chalker hired Sydney legal duo Arthur Moses and Rebekah Giles and launched legal action against her, Ms Worden and the NT government to prevent his removal.

The government quickly reached a “confidential settlement” with the outgoing commissioner, announcing the top cop was “retiring” and bringing his civil court proceedings against them to an end.

In reaching a costly settlement, the government and its most senior ministers escaped being cross-examined by Mr Moses during what was expected to be a spectacular and embarrassing Supreme Court stoush. It was later revealed that Mr Chalker’s confidential settlement had come out of the police budget.

Ms Worden on Thursday said Mr Murphy’s appointment was a “line in the sand”.

“We are able to go forward with that stability,” she said.

“I think our police members … have been really looking forward to an announcement today.”

Ms Fyles said along with reducing the rate of crime, domestic violence and anti-social behaviour, Mr Murphy was committed to leading a strong and united workforce that prioritised employee wellbeing and retention.

Former NT police commissioner Jamie Chalker in April after being asked to resign days earlier. Picture: Liam Mendes.

“Michael Murphy is a diligent police officer, who leads by example,” Ms Fyles said. “He has risen through the ranks with hard work, perseverance and a dedication to serve and protect the people of the NT. He understands his workforce and he wants the best for his officers.”

Mr Murphy said it was “a privilege” to be named Police Commissioner and Fire and Emergency Services CEO.

“It’s been an incredibly tumultuous three years on the back of Covid … increased demands across all areas of emergency services,” he said.

“We really need to sharpen the focus on the crime types for a safer Territory and looking after Territorians, particularly across the scourge of domestic violence.”

Mr Murphy is facing soaring crime rates across the Territory, record-high police attrition and members stretched to breaking point.

NT Police Association president Nathan Finn last week said an extra 200 members were needed just to cope with the force’s core business.

The association’s conference last week heard that more than 450 officers had left the force in the past three years.