ICAC teams with NT Police to investigate alleged racism in elite TRG unit

The corruption watchdog cited a lack of resources to carry out an independent investigation, promising whistleblower protections as early evidence suggests veracity of racist awards.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches says he does not have enough resources to investigate allegations of police racism without teaming with police. Picture: Office of the ICAC/Supplied

The Northern Territory corruption watchdog has called on the police to help investigate racism within its own ranks, blaming a lack of resources to be able to carry out an independent probe.

A statement was issued by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption on Tuesday after a letter came to light showing he asked for former constable Zach Rolfe’s personal assistance in gathering evidence.

The ICAC launched an investigation into the NT Police Territory Response Group following Mr Rolfe’s allegations the elite unit handed out an internal “c--n of the year” award set on a backdrop of an Aboriginal flag.

Copies of certificates tendered during the evidence of former NT Police constable Zach Rolfe during an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker.

In his statement ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches thanked police officers who had already come forward with information, and said early evidence supported allegations that awards racist towards First Nations people had previously been issued within the TRG.

Due to that evidence, he said, his investigation would be expanded to consider all awards issued from 2007 to present day.

“I am not resourced to conduct that investigation without NT Police assistance,” Mr Riches said.

Citing a need for the “serious matters” to be “addressed without delay”, Mr Riches offered indemnity to whistleblowers, promising that current or former police officers who provided information to the anti-corruption body would not be the subject of an adverse finding under the ICAC Act, would not be referred to NT Police for disciplinary action, and would not be publicly named.

“Let me be clear, if you have information, this is your opportunity to come forward,” he said.

The protection does not extend to those who may have committed criminal conduct or sought to delete evidence of racism from police systems.

Michael Murphy, the Northern Territory's police commissioner, said it was ‘absolutely’ appropriate police were teaming with ICAC in the investigation. Photo by PEMA TAMANG PAKHRIN

On March 6 NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said the police’s Professional Standards Command would work with the ICAC to investigate claims made by Mr Rolfe at the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker.

He said it was “absolutely” appropriate that police were involved in investigating their own rank and file.

“We’ve got a good team, I don’t question their integrity or their ethics at all and with the oversight of the ICAC it obviously gives the public reassurance.”

Commissioner Murphy and Mr Rolfe were both asked to distribute letters on behalf of the ICAC calling for information.

“In order to advance my investigation, I am seeking the assistance of current and former TRG members and others who can provide me with first-hand evidence of those awards and the events during which they were presented,” the letter dated March 7 said.

The ICAC will have received more than $5m this financial year, up from $3.6m when it was established in 2018.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said budget bids for additional resources for the ICAC followed the same process as all other agencies.

“We want to make sure the ICAC is properly empowered to do its job – that’s why we established it,” she said.

NT Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Martin Dole said the force was working with the ICAC to “ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination” surrounding Mr Rolfe’s “serious” claims.

“Racism in any form is abhorrent and unacceptable and the Northern Territory Police Force is deeply committed to maintaining the public’s trust.”

Originally published as ICAC teams with NT Police to investigate alleged racism in elite TRG unit