Union backs sacked Rolfe
The dismissal of former-Constable Zachary Rolfe has been welcomed as a “win”.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a person who has died.
Former-Constable Rolfe, who was acquitted of the murder of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker, has been dismissed from the Northern Territory Police Force for “serious breaches of discipline” Lawyers for Mr Rolfe have stated their intention to appeal his dismissal.
The dismissal allegedly relates to an extensive statement published online in February by Mr Rolfe, criticising the Northern Territory Police Force's executive leadership and ongoing coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker.
Mr Walker's family said the decision “felt like a win” and would be welcomed as “a small step towards justice”, but noted there is “much more to be done to correct an extremely broken system”.
The Justice For Walker campaign says the community will continue to fight for their “missed and loved Kumanjayi”.
The Northern Territory Police Association has criticised the decision to dismiss Mr Rolfe, saying it “highlights deficiencies” in the disciplinary process.
The Association says it intends to support Mr Rolfe's appeal. Mr Rolfe also has several unrelated appeal proceedings underway in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.
Some reports allege Rolfe left the country in February.
There are also reports this week that Northern Territory Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has been asked to resign. Internal surveys last year allegedly showed a majority of police did “not have confidence” in his leadership.