The Northern Land Council stands with desert mob and backs calls for an independent inquiry into police misconduct

The NLC stands with the Central Land Council and all Warlpiri families during this incredibly difficult time to have justice and truth-telling in the wake of this tragedy.

Unlike most jurisdictions, the Northern Territory does not have a body to investigate police misconduct. It is incredibly disappointing that the NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro this week ruled out an independent investigation into the death.

We are calling upon the Federal Government to step in and make the necessary moves to ensure an independent body investigates this entirely preventable death.

Despite apologies to the NLC Full Council in 2024 and acknowledgment of the “police service’s historical and ongoing impacts on Aboriginal communities”, by the former Police Commissioner, not enough has been done to address racism in the NT Police force.

For the NLC, systemic racism in the NT Police Force, both the Tactical Response Group (TRG) and more broadly, is not a relic of the past. Our communities continue to share their stories of discrimination and injustice at the hands of law enforcement.

In the wake of this tragedy during Reconciliation week, this most recent refusal to listen to the voices or wishes of Aboriginal Territorians is yet another example of the NT Government’s harsh approach towards Aboriginal affairs in the NT.

In just under a year of coming to office, The Country Liberal Party government has repeatedly let Aboriginal Territorians down.

From the rushed introduction and lack of consultation on the Territory Coordinator and Sacred Sites Amendment Bills, to the undermining of Aboriginal water rights, cutting funding to Aboriginal Ranger Grant Programs, and taking Territory Treaty off the table - the NLC will not stand for these continued attacks against Aboriginal people in the NT.

The NLC calls on all levels of Government to step up, listen and walk beside Aboriginal people.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“My deepest sorrows are with all Warlpiri families right now. From all of us mob in the Top End - we stand with you.”



“There must be an independent inquiry into the death of this young man in custody. It is unacceptable that in 2025 Aboriginal people fear police instead of trusting they will protect and serve their communities.”

“This CLP Government has continuously let down Aboriginal people since coming into Government. Now is the time to show leadership by listening to us and acknowledging that cultural reform within the NT Police is at the heart of these issues.”

“We must also see strength from the Federal Government. Pull the levers necessary to see this independent inquiry happen.”