Michael Murphy's departure puts second apology to NT Aboriginal people in doubt | ABC News

It was more than an apology for past injustices committed against Aboriginal people by Northern Territory Police. Last August on the sand at Arnhem Land's Garma Festival, Police Commissioner Michael Murphy promised a transformation within the force. Commissioner Murphy said although the NT Police Force had aimed to work effectively with Aboriginal people over its 154 years of policing, "we acknowledge … we have made mistakes". "I am deeply sorry to all Aboriginal Territorians for the past harms and the injustices caused by members of the Northern Territory Police," he said. "I know that I can't change or undo the past but as police commissioner, alongside our police officers, we can commit to not repeating the mistakes and injustices of the past." The commissioner also promised a second apology, this one "to the people of Yuendumu, at an appropriate time", to further demonstrate his "commitment to reconciliation". But it's a promise Commissioner Murphy may now not see fulfilled, after he was suddenly stood down from the top job last week over an anti-corruption probe scandal.

By Lee Robinson for ABC News NT

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