The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) welcomes the introduction of the Northern Territory Police Anti-Racism Strategy (the strategy), and acknowledges the commitments expressed by the Northern Territory Police leadership to dismantle racism within the police force.
NAAJA Chair, Ms Theresa Roe, said “the strategy must mark the beginning of meaningful and sustained change. Increased transparency and accountability in NT Police is good for all Territorians. It is especially important for Aboriginal Territorians, because of the long-standing mistrust between police and many Aboriginal communities and families. This is the first step to repair the loss of trust that many Aboriginal people feel towards the NT Police. We extend our thanks to those who have made this strategy a reality and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Leanne Liddle in this process. We look forward to seeing positive changes that come from the strategy.”
The NT Coroner found in the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker that structural and institutional racism within the NT Police Force created a work culture where racist behaviour was tolerated and went unchecked. Everyday, NAAJA works with clients who continue to experience discrimination, unequal treatment and harm at the hands of the police. Ensuring these issues are addressed must be central to the strategy’s implementation.
NAAJA acknowledges the strategy’s stated commitment to addressing these systemic issues and fostering an anti-racist police force in the Northern Territory. “This strategy is an important first step, but its success will depend on how it is put into practice. That will require genuine engagement with Aboriginal communities, proper resourcing, transparent implementation, through a practical and staged approach,” said Ms Roe.
We particularly welcome the strategy’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Aboriginal Territorians to develop community-based solutions to keep communities safe and reduce crime. There are multiple communities across the Northern Territory who are actively addressing and reducing crime through self-determined, community led and culturally informed strategies. NAAJA highlights the work of the ARDS East Arnhem Land Napungga’wuy mediation service and Groote Eylandt Peacemakers program which are culturally responsive mediation models built on nationally recognised training frameworks, who work closely with the local police to ensure community safety and resolve community conflict. In the Groote Eylandt Peacemakers’ words: “We try and solve problems between different people and groups within the communities before they become big problems’’.
NAAJA looks forward to seeing the implementation of this important strategy and welcomes our inclusion in the working group with the Professional Standards Command, Cultural Reform Command and other relevant sector organisations to review and improve police complaints mechanisms. These reforms are long-overdue, and we look forward to improved and independent processes that strengthen the justice system for all Territorians.
Media contact
Comments in this media release other than direct quotes can be attributed to a NAAJA spokesperson.
Contact
Ben Grimes, NAAJA CEO
media@naaja.org.au
NAAJA MR2025-18
9 November 2025