Walker Inquest findings show ‘urgent need’ for reform in NT: UN Human Rights High Commissioner

‘Institutional racism’ uncovered in damning inquest findings has caught the eye of the United Nations, who are backing key calls made by the coroner.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP

Damning findings of institutional racism within the NT police have caught the eye of the United Nations, which is backing the call for change within the Territory to address the “injustice suffered” by First Nations Australians.

The United Nations (UN) Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk has weighed in on the Kumanjayi Walker inquest findings, delivered last week by NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Turk wrote Ms Armitage’s findings uncovered “disturbing allegations of institutional racism in Northern Territory policing”.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. Picture: AP

“Findings by coroner reinforce urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address injustice suffered by First Nations peoples,” the post said.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, speaking with reporters in Geneva on Friday, expected the findings would lead to some “soul searching” by the Territory police and government.

Further “awareness-raising among police officers of the dangers of profiling, the dangers of unconscious bias,” was needed according to Ms Shamdasani, who also said the government should investigate if “further independent oversight” is required.

In her 33 recommendations, Ms Armitage stopped short of recommending an independent body to oversee the NT police, a move which left Mr Walker’s family and NAAJA “disappointed”.

Coroner Elizabeth Armitage delivers her findings in the Kumanjayi Walker inquest in Yuendumu. Picture: Colin Murty

The death of Mr Walker will be used in police training, if the police follow one of the Coroner’s recommendations, while the police should also review their “early intervention policy” for officers whose behaviour raises “red flags” after 12 months to determine the policy’s effectiveness, Ms Armitage wrote.

Ms Armitage’s inquest into the death of 19-year-old Warlpiri Luritja man began in September 2022, months after former NT police constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted by a Supreme Court jury of a murder charge for shooting Mr Walker.

In her findings, MS Armitage found Mr Rolfe “was racist” – but she also could not make any finding which went against the jury verdict, nor could she refer anyone to the DPP for additional charges to be laid.

NT Police acting commissioner Martin Dole and NT Police community resilience and engagement command executive director Leanne Liddle addressing media in Alice Springs on the Walker inquest findings, July 8, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

She did, however, identify a number of failings by NT police to investigate prior problematic use of force incidents by Mr Rolfe, and found the former officer worked in an organisation which contained the “hallmarks of institutional racism”.

Of her 33 recommendations, 18 were made to NT police, and in the wake of the findings being released, acting NT police commissioner Martin Dole said the force acknowledged them.

But when addressing media, he did not offer a firm commitment of implementing them.

The force is, however, committed to stamping out racism within the ranks, Mr Dole said.

NT Police resilience and engagement command executive director Leanne Liddle, speaking with Mr Dole, said the force’s anti-racism strategy is awaiting final approval before it enters the consultation stage.

Originally published as Walker Inquest findings show ‘urgent need’ for reform in NT: UN Human Rights High Commissioner