Hunt for new NT top cop after Michael Murphy axed

The NT government is being urged to look outside the Territory to replace ousted police commissioner Michael Murphy.

Michael Murphy, the Northern Territory's police commissioner, in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The NT government is being urged to look outside the Territory to replace ousted police commissioner Michael Murphy, who was dramatically axed just two days after admitting he was the unnamed officer in a jobs-for-mates scandal.

On Saturday night, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro issued a statement saying Mr Murphy’s position was “untenable” following revelations he chaired a panel that appointed a close friend to a senior position in the force, resulting in a finding by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption of improper conduct.

Ms Finocchiaro said she had informed the commissioner he had lost the confidence of the government, but it appears Mr Murphy’s termination is not effective immediately.

“I gave Commissioner Murphy the opportunity to resign,” Ms Finocchiaro said, noting that he had been “asked to go on leave”, effective immediately.

Deputy Commissioner Martin Dole, a 28-year veteran of the force, has been appointed Acting Police Commissioner but is considered unlikely to score the permanent role.

Current and former senior NT police told The Australian that most of the other potential candidates from within the force were tainted, even if only by association with previous scandals or involvement in racist conduct.

“The job description should read: only those outside the Territory need apply,” one former senior officer told The Australian.

“There are just too many skeletons in the cupboard. They need a senior officer with a record of ­integrity and strong leadership – even someone retired – to take on the job for the next 12 months while they find the right person for the next 10 years.”

The recruitment search should extend overseas, if necessary, to countries such as New Zealand, the former officer said.

“That person has to be able to do something about the ever-­increasing crime levels here. but doing things that are community based, managing really vulnerable groups in a way Murphy was never able to do.”

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Murphy’s tenure as the Territory’s top cop had been marred by controversy, with bitter division between the force’s top brass and rank-and-file members culminating last year in his resignation from the NT Police Association days after apologising to Aboriginal people of the Territory for decades of systemic racism within the force.

ICAC revealed in February that an investigation into an unnamed senior officer had uncovered “improper conduct” in the management of his conflicts of interest, calling it “negligent” and “incompetent”.

ICAC delegate Patricia Kelly SC found that the officer had ­declared the prior relationship but ought to have recused himself after giving the candidate a copy of a prior job application and acting as a referee for him. On Thursday Mr Murphy outed himself as the unnamed officer but did not apologise and refused to resign over the scandal.

“I accept that I should have dealt better with a conflict of interest, a friendship and a referee report in relation to an ­appointee,” Mr Murphy said in a statement.

“On reflection, I should have managed the friendship and the conflict of interest to a higher standard and on at least one ­occasion should have recused myself from the appointment process in order to ensure community confidence.”

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy with officers from NT Police in February. Picture: NT Police

Last week Ms Finocchiaro ­described Mr Murphy’s conduct simply as “unsatisfactory” and “disappointing” but did not call for his resignation.

On Saturday night she said the process of terminating Mr Murphy’s appointment required natural justice to him and involved cabinet, executive council and ­advice to the administrator on termination.

“I make no apologies for ­working through this methodically in the interests of Territorians,” she said.

The terms and conditions of his appointment in 2023 required payment of six months’ remuneration upon termination, she said.

The NT Police Association had demanded Mr Murphy’s resignation and questioned his integrity, saying the trust of its members in the commissioner was “destroyed”.

“This has triggered deep anger and frustration amongst our members and brings into dis­repute the whole police force,” NTPA president Nathan Finn said.

“Our members will not forget this betrayal and question his ability to continue as the commissioner of police.”