Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage hangs up his badge after distinguished career

One of the Territory’s highest ranking police officers has called time on his career after more than 40 years in uniform. Read why his tenure was not without controversy.

NT Police Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage arrives at the Alice Springs Local Court in February for an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker. Picture: Jason Walls

NT Police Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage has announced his retirement from the force, saying it had been “an honour and a privilege to serve and protect”.

Mr Smalpage was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner in 2020 from his previous position as Assistant Commissioner with the Western Australia Police Force.

His policing career spans more than four decades, including 40 years serving in WA in a number of senior roles where he was responsible for the delivery of policing services across the 2.5 million square kilometres of the state.

“The similarities in policing practices between the NT and WA reflect law enforcement’s unique challenges in remote and regional areas of Australia,” he said.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve and protect alongside colleagues and members of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services.

“I am grateful for the many unique experiences and opportunities that this career has provided me.”

Mr Smalpage’s tenure was not without controversy, with the Deputy Commissioner causing a stir in September 2021 after he accidentally published a video of himself live to Facebook.

In it he appeared to suggest “murder” would be the most appropriate collective noun for a group of police officers, with the police union calling for him to stand aside after it was “inundated with complaints”.

At the time Mr Smalpage said the video was “inadvertently recorded” on his phone as he was walking to a meeting and apologised “for any offence that may have been caused”.

Then Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker stood by his deputy, saying the video and subsequent apology “speak for themselves and as such no investigation is required”.

“With the information before me at the moment, it is clear this was accidental, that the comments were not intended to cause offence and he is deeply apologetic for the choice of language,” he said at the time.

On Thursday, Mr Smalpage said he was proud to have been part of NT Police’s efforts to “keep our communities safe and secure” during the “difficult task” of the Covid pandemic.

“When I reflect on my time as Deputy Commissioner, I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who at short notice and at personal sacrifice, worked at some of the most remote locations in Australia to keep the community safe during that time,” he said.

New Commissioner Michael Murphy thanked Mr Smalpage for his long and distinguished service and wished him all the best for his retirement.

Originally published as Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage hangs up his badge after distinguished career