NT Chief Minister says Zachary Rolfe's Immediate Response Team disbanded following shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Chief Minister says Zachary Rolfe's Immediate Response Team disbanded following shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The specialist police unit that was sent to Yuendumu to arrest Kumanjayi Walker before he was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe has been disbanded, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has revealed. Key points: The Immediate Response Team was deployed to Yuendumu to arrest Mr Walker in November 2019 Months before the shooting, Constable Rolfe described the IRT as "cowboy stuff with no rules" The Chief Minister says the IRT has been suspended since the fatal incident Earlier this month, a jury found Constable Rolfe not guilty of murder and two alternative charges over the death of the 19-year-old Yuendumu man, who was shot three times during an attempted arrest in November 2019. During an ABC Radio Darwin interview on Tuesday, Mr Gunner was asked about his response to revelations contained in court documents that Constable Rolfe had described the IRT as "cowboy stuff with no rules" in a text message several months before the shooting. "Absolutely untrue and probably actionable," he said, referring to his consideration of legal action after Constable Rolfe made the claim in a podcast on The Australian's website.

Political Interference Chief Minister Constable Irt Gunner Rolfe Yuendumu Zachary Rolfe Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Mr Gunner Response Team Immediate Response Team  response  team  zachary  nt  mr  yuendumu  arrest  murder  constable  irt  rolfe  minister  gunner  immediate  shooting  rolfes  kumanjayi  walker

History of this topic

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest
3 weeks, 6 days ago

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have described one of their own former officers as an alleged "racist … sexist … misogynist" and "narcissist, with grandiose ideas about his own abilities", at the inquest into the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. Dr Freckelton said NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy — who was earlier this year investigated by the …

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions
4 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions

ABC  

Former NT police constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly held "overtly racist attitudes" and was "undisciplined", "dishonest", "ego-driven" and "contemptuous of authority" prior to the shooting of Aboriginal man Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Counsel assisting the coroner Peggy Dwyer SC addressed the court first on Wednesday, submitting that some aspects of Mr Rolfe's behaviour as a police officer …

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?

ABC  

In short: Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot in November 2019 and a mandatory inquest into his death began in September 2022. Almost two years after it began, the coronial inquest into the police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker will resume on Monday, for what is scheduled to be the final days of evidence. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has so far heard …

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was born the son of prominent Canberra parents: philanthropists with a high standing in the community, his mother a successful barrister, and his father a luxury car dealer. Zachary Rolfe tells a coronial inquest into the 2019 police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, racist language was "used everywhere" throughout the NT Police Force. In affidavits, which presumably sought to …

Zachary Rolfe’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting
10 months ago

Zachary Rolfe’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting

ABC  

In short: NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. A Senior Northern Territory Police officer …

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker
1 year, 7 months ago

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

A suppression order over a controversial police report into the death of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker has been lifted, revealing previously redacted details about the murder investigation into former constable Zachary Rolfe. Key points: The so-called "Proctor Report" was previously subject to a claim of legal-professional privilege by the NT Police Force Perceptions of "investigative bias" related to Zachary Rolfe …

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union
1 year, 8 months ago

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union

ABC  

The family of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker, who was fatally shot by former-Constable Zachary Rolfe in 2019, says his dismissal from the NT Police Force "felt like a win" for the Yuendumu community. Key points: The NT Police Force formally dismissed Zachary Rolfe on Tuesday over "serious breaches of discipline" The former officer intends to appeal the decision It is …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
1 year, 9 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe was given "remedial advice" for incidents which could have resulted in disciplinary action because they were discovered too late by investigating police, the coroner has heard. A second incident involving two drunk men at a park in Alice Springs was also reviewed, with Assistant Commissioner Porter describing Constable Rolfe's actions as "excessive and unnecessary". Assistant Commissioner Porter …

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation
1 year, 9 months ago

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have told the coroner investigating the police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, that Constable Zachary Rolfe will face "consequences" for penning a 2,500-word statement late last week. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe published a 2,500 word statement last week Lawyers for the NT Police Force at the inquest alleged it was a breach of …

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'
2 years, 1 month ago

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Force faces a "long-term cultural fix" in the wake of revelations at a coronial inquest about the alleged use of racist language among officers, while allegations that excessive use-of-force was swept under the rug indicates "corruption", according to a former assistant police commissioner. Key points: Former Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Anticich says officers involved in alleged …

Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts
2 years, 1 month ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has appeared for the first time at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, where he claimed he has a legal right not to answer questions about several matters, including "arguably racist" text messages and use of force incidents. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges relating …

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police
2 years, 1 month ago

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police

ABC  

"This isn't simply about Constable Rolfe," Northern Territory coroner Elisabeth Armitage said from the bench this week. Key points: The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker is scheduled to run until early December Mr Walker died in 2019 after he was shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe Constable Rolfe was earlier this year found not guilty of all charges …

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known
2 years, 1 month ago

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was "unlikely" to have been recommended for the Northern Territory Police Force if recruiters had known he left previous disciplinary action in the Australian Army off his application, the coroner has been told. Key points: Constable Rolfe did not disclose prior ADF disciplinary action in his application to the NT Police Force He also failed, initially, to disclose …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death
2 years, 1 month ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has heard Constable Zachary Rolfe "repeatedly" engaged in "concerning behaviour", including not turning on his body-worn camera and making arrests which resulted in injuries, prior to Kumanjayi Walker's death. Former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", while his "unjustified" use of force incidents were "swept away" by superior officers, …

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died
2 years, 1 month ago

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died

ABC  

A senior Northern Territory police officer has stood by his decision not to tell the Yuendumu community that Kumanjayi Walker had died, despite numerous pleas for information from his family waiting outside the police station. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs told officers not to tell Kumanjayi Walker's family he had died He told the court he was concerned about "cultural …

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone
2 years, 1 month ago

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe thought he could go on a "paid holiday" if he shot someone and "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard. The court heard that after Constable Rolfe was charged with murder over the 2019 shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, Ms Campagnaro told investigating police her partner had …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 1 month ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC  

A close friend and colleague of Constable Zachary Rolfe has issued an emotional apology to the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, after text messages he'd sent to the officer using terms such as "gay c**ts", "f*gs" and "n***rs" were made public. Key points: A visibly emotional Constable Mitchell Hansen apologised for using racist language The officer was …

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death
2 years, 1 month ago

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death

ABC  

"Distressing" video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family members were informed of his death has been played to the Northern Territory coroner, in which police are heard urging emotional loved ones not to get "angry" and calling the deceased Mr Walker by the wrong name. Key points: In the body-worn video, Sergeant Meacham King can be heard informing Kumanjayi Walker's …

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears
2 years, 2 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked colleagues if their body-worn cameras were on as they gathered in the Yuendumu police station hours after Kumanjayi Walker died, an inquest into the shooting death has heard. Key points: For 14-minutes on the evening of Kumanjayi Walker's death, a police officer's body-worn camera was switched off Sergeant Adam Donaldson says he can't remember what was …

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years, 2 months ago

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

If the Northern Territory police force re-establishes a specialist tactical team based in Alice Springs, it needs to "flush out" racist language first, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Key points: The sergeant in charge of the immediate response team referred to "bush c**ns" in a text exchange The team was disbanded not long after Kumanjayi Walker's death The coroner …

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears
2 years, 2 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe was excluded from applying for a job at Queensland Police for 10 years after failing to disclose a fine he received for "violent behaviour" on his application, the NT coroner has revealed. Key points: The NT coroner has rejected a second attempt by Constable Rolfe's barristers to strike out evidence Constable Rolfe objected to …

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far
2 years, 2 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far

ABC  

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage opened her court with a soft smile and an acknowledgement of Arrente country, the land on which the courthouse sits in Alice Springs, immediately setting the tone for the three-month inquiry ahead of her. Four weeks into the three-month inquiry, the coroner has heard evidence from 11 witnesses including police officers, Mr Walker's family and Yuendumu community …

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears
2 years, 2 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears

ABC  

Body worn footage from the night of Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death in Yuendumu was "not consistent" with a plan put in place to arrest the 19-year-old, a senior member of the Northern Territory police force has told a coronial inquest. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs says body worn footage wasn't "consistent" with a plan agreed to before specialist team was …

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues
2 years, 3 months ago

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Commissioner has reacted to "blatantly racist" text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and police colleagues, saying he believes the events are "isolated" and officers would be "quite shocked" reading them. During the inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, the coroner's court on Wednesday heard several text message exchanges between police officers, with references …

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and several police colleagues have been described as "threatening" and "blatantly racist" by a serving sergeant, as they were read out in the Northern Territory coroner's court. 'Always ready to make my camera face the other way' In another text exchange read out to the court, a fellow police officer apologised to Constable …

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection
2 years, 3 months ago

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has ruled messages downloaded from Constable Zachary Rolfe's mobile phone, after he was arrested and charged with murder over the death of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, could be "evidence of racism by Constable Rolfe" and his colleagues. Key points: Constable Rolfe's ex-fiance is expected to be called as a witness "Disturbing" text messages from his phone …

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears
2 years, 3 months ago

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears

ABC  

A senior Aboriginal community police officer has told the Northern Territory coroner that police from out of town are "rougher" than their bush-based counterparts and lack "respect and responsibility". Key points: The Yuendumu Aboriginal community police officer told the inquest cultural awareness training for NT police officers was inadequate Kumanjayi Walker's grandfather says he felt "traumatised" by the night his …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions
2 years, 3 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions

ABC  

The inquest into the 2019 police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard a use of force expert concluded Constable Zachary Rolfe had a "tendency to rush into situations with a disregard for his or others safety". Key points: Counsel assisting intends to table a review of Constable Rolfe's use of force The coroner heard Mr Walker's experience in youth …

Coronial inquest into death of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker begins in Alice Springs
2 years, 3 months ago

Coronial inquest into death of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker begins in Alice Springs

ABC  

Almost three years ago, two young men became household names in the worst possible way. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker was shot three times by Constable Zachary Rolfe in November 2019 Constable Rolfe was acquitted of murder after a five-week trial in March this year The coroner will spend the next three months examining the circumstances of his death The family …

Kumanjayi Walker's family revisits 'terrifying' night he died as inquest begins in Alice Springs
2 years, 3 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker's family revisits 'terrifying' night he died as inquest begins in Alice Springs

ABC  

In an emotional start to a three-month coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner heard first hand from members of the Warlpiri man's family about the night he died, urging the court to hear their voices. Key points: Members of Mr Walker’s family addressed the court and called for urgent action The coroner said she …

Northern Territory's ICAC announces investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 8 months ago

Northern Territory's ICAC announces investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner has announced he will investigate the decision to arrest and charge police officer Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of all charges over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe was charged with murder four days after the shooting There have been …

NT Police Commissioner rejects political interference claims in Constable Zachary Rolfe murder charge
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Police Commissioner rejects political interference claims in Constable Zachary Rolfe murder charge

ABC  

The Northern Territory’s Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker says he was “as shocked as anybody” by the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder four days after the death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: The NT Police Commissioner says investigators and the DPP made the decision to charge Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting in Yuendumu Constable Rolfe …

NT judge lifts suppression orders after Zachary Rolfe found not guilty over shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT judge lifts suppression orders after Zachary Rolfe found not guilty over shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The Northern Territory Supreme Court has lifted all suppression orders in relation to Zachary Rolfe's murder trial, including some material the judge says may potentially damage the police officer's reputation. Key points: Media outlets, including the ABC, applied for the lifting of all suppression orders relating to Constable Rolfe's case Constable Rolfe's defence barrister argued against three matters being made …

Zachary Rolfe said his police unit had 'no rules' and did 'cowboy stuff' prior to fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

Zachary Rolfe said his police unit had 'no rules' and did 'cowboy stuff' prior to fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The NT Supreme Court has lifted a non-publication order on text messages that show Constable Zachary Rolfe described his job as "cowboy stuff with no rules" several months before the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu. Key points: Constable Rolfe was a member of the Alice Springs-based Immediate Response Team The IRT was deployed to Yuendumu in November 2019 …

NT Chief Minister Gunner says no political interference in Constable Zachary Rolfe's murder charge
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Chief Minister Gunner says no political interference in Constable Zachary Rolfe's murder charge

ABC  

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner says there has been no political interference in the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder and has accused the police union of waging a deliberate campaign of misinformation about the matter. Key points: Constable Rolfe was charged with murdering Kumanjayi Walker four days after the shooting He was found not guilty of all …

NT Police Association accuses government of 'political interference', calls for investigation into Zachary Rolfe's murder charge
2 years, 9 months ago

NT Police Association accuses government of 'political interference', calls for investigation into Zachary Rolfe's murder charge

ABC  

The head of the NT's police union is calling for an independent investigation into the decision to charge Constable Zachary Rolfe with murder four days after the death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: The NT police union says there was "never" enough evidence to charge Zachary Rolfe with murder Constable Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges …

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe found not guilty of murder over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe found not guilty of murder over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has been cleared of all charges over the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker during an attempted arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu. Key points: The jury delivered a unanimous decision after just under seven hours of deliberations Constable Rolfe hugged his lawyer and family after the verdict was announced in the NT …

Jury retires in murder trial of NT police officer Zachary Rolfe over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker
2 years, 9 months ago

Jury retires in murder trial of NT police officer Zachary Rolfe over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

The jury in the murder trial of Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has retired to consider its verdict over the fatal shooting of Yuendumu man Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: Constable Rolfe has pleaded not guilty to murder as well as two alternative charges The officer shot 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker three times during an attempted arrest The jury has heard …

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