NT government reaches settlement with top cop Jamie Chalker

The NT government has escaped the embarrassment of a Supreme Court stoush with Jamie Chalker, who will now retire.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker speaks to the media at the Peter Macaulay Centre in Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Northern Territory government has escaped the embarrassment and public spectacle of a Supreme Court stoush after reaching a “confidential settlement” with Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, who will now retire, following their botched attempt to revoke his appointment six months before his contract expired.

In a joint statement released this morning Mr Chalker and the NT Government announced that the costly civil court proceedings had been resolved.

“The administrator has accepted Mr Chalker’s application to retire from the post of Police Commissioner,” it said.

“The NT government is grateful for the Commissioner’s service and wishes him well in the next phase of his career.”

The costly employment dispute started when Mr Chalker received a letter from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles last month asking him to resign.

The undated letter raised four allegations including accusing him of making an unauthorised request for federal help to fight out-of-control crime in Alice Springs, which turned out to be baseless.

NT chief minister Natasha Fyles. Picture: Liam Mendes/The Australian

After receiving the letter on March 31, Mr Chalker hired high-profile Sydney legal duo Arthur Moses and Rebekah Giles and launched legal action against Ms Fyles, Police Minister Kate Worden and the NT Government to prevent his removal.

The dispute, which centred on the sanctity of the commissioner’s tenure, was set for the Supreme Court in June.

But The Australian last week revealed that settlement negotiations were likely already underway after the parties mutually agreed to delay the filing of Mr Chalker’s evidence.

The 53-year-old was due to serve his evidence against Ms Fyles and Ms Worden tomorrow.

He was also expected to issue subpoenas for communications between the chief minister and police minister in relation to their bungled attempt to remove him from his role.

It was always highly unlikely the Territory government would allow Mr Chalker to put on his evidence or expose the ministers to cross-examination.

Sources said the defendants were likely to offer an attractive package to Mr Chalker before the matter reached a hearing.

It appears that has now occurred with Mr Chalker this morning announcing his retirement after his horror month of speculation and uncertainty.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to have worked amongst the brave, hardworking women and men of the NT Police Force, Fire and Rescue Service, and Emergency Services, and an honour to have led them as they have tirelessly devoted their lives to making the Territory a better place,” he said in the statement.

“I want to wish all of my colleagues the very best in the future and thank them for their ongoing dedication to all Territorians.

“Personally, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and the opportunities that await.”

Mr Chalker joined the NT Police in 1994 and had worked in general duties, remote policing, criminal investigations and executive roles before being appointed as the Commissioner of Police and CEO of Fire and Emergency Services on October 31, 2019.

The veteran officer has dealt with significant challenges during his three and a half year tenure at the top including escalating crime across the Territory and Covid-19.

He began the top job two days after Constable Zachary Rolfe fatally shot Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker at Yuendumu.

His fixed-period four-year term was due to expire in mid-November with an option for a further four-year term.

“The retirement of his commission follows Mr Chalker’s highly decorated career as a NT police officer, during which time he was awarded a medal for bravery, ran investigations into homicide and organised crime, and held several leadership positions,” this morning’s joint statement said.

“As Police Commissioner, Mr Chalker served on many national law enforcement boards including as Chair and Deputy Chair.

“He also received prominent acknowledgment for his strong leadership as the Territory Controller through several natural disasters and the Territory’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the management of the Centre for National Resilience.

“Through challenging times, Mr Chalker has been dedicated to the public service and focused on the safety and security of all Territorians.”

The statement also said that prior to becoming police commissioner, Mr Chalker was the CEO of the Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development, overseeing a “significant and successful” program of reform.

“The Commissioner and the Territory government will not be making any further statements concerning the terms of his retirement and the settlement of the Supreme Court proceedings as they are both bound by confidentiality obligations,” the statement said.