Independent inquiry into senior police recruitment

12 March 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced an independent inquiry into recent senior police recruitments.

The inquiry will be facilitated through the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment and led by the Hon. Acting Justice Alan Blow AO.

Terms of Reference:

• Examine recruitment processes relating to appointment of officers in the NT Police Force since August 2023, to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Commander and Superintendent, having consideration of:
• Whether panel processes were conducted in line with the NT Police recruitment standards and the General Order: Code of Conduct and Ethics;
• Whether evidence that merit to undertake the role as required under s15A of the Police Administration Act has been demonstrated by the successful candidate in each process, and;
• Determine what remedial action may be required on the above and whether there are other recruitment matters outside of these Terms of Reference that may require remedy or further investigation and recommend the course of action to pursue or respond to them.

The Final Report will be provided by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment to the Minister for Police as soon as practical for tabling in NT Parliament.

The Hon. Alan Michael Blow AO was appointed as an Acting Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court in January 2025.

Previously, Acting Justice Blow was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania and has also been the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania.

Acting Justice Blow has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and his contribution to legal education and professional standards, and to the community.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said today was an important step in restoring confidence.

“The NT Police force does a great job and the best way we can support them is by delivering certainty,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“In my interactions, I have found NT Police to be exemplary, but my government does not shy away from transparency and accountability.

“This independent inquiry will give certainty to the police, the community and the officers involved.

"It is my intention to table the recommendations in Parliament, but we need to let the independent inquiry run its course.

“I have spoken with Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole APM, who supports the independent inquiry, and he has advised that relevant personnel will participate fully.

“This action is in addition to the body of work underway to ensure recruitment processes and conflict of interest management are of the highest standard across the NT public service.

"Providing support to our Police so they can focus on dealing with crime in our community remains my government’s top priority.”

Media contact - Elle Arnold - 0408 663 361

Image below: The Hon. Acting Justice Alan Blow AO