By Gill Bikram Singh 
The Northern Territory’s police commissioner, Michael Murphy, has been removed from his position following a corruption investigation into a jobs-for-mates scandal.
Murphy publicly identified himself as the subject of an Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) probe, which found improper conduct by an unnamed official who mishandled a conflict of interest in hiring a senior officer. The ICAC report revealed that in early 2024, Murphy participated in a panel that hired a close friend.
Government and Police Response
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced on Saturday night that Murphy’s role was no longer tenable.
“Today, I informed Commissioner Murphy he has lost the confidence of the government,” she stated. “I gave Commissioner Murphy the opportunity to resign. The police commissioner was asked to go on leave effective immediately.”
Martin Dole has been appointed as acting police commissioner while the process to formally terminate Murphy’s appointment begins.
Corruption Findings and Public Backlash
ICAC delegate Patricia Kelly SC condemned Murphy’s actions, calling them “negligent and incompetent,” stating that they had caused “substantial detriment to the public interest.”
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) also demanded Murphy’s resignation, stating that officers had lost all trust in his leadership.
“Our members are fed up with the lack of integrity shown and question the commissioner’s ability to remain in his position,” NTPA president Nathan Finn said on Friday.
Murphy Acknowledges Mistakes
On Thursday, Murphy admitted the findings related to a recruitment process he had chaired and conceded that he mishandled a conflict of interest.
“On reflection, I should have managed the friendship and the conflict of interest to a higher standard, and on at least one occasion, I should have recused myself from the appointment process to ensure community confidence,” he said.
The scandal has further fueled concerns over transparency and governance within the Northern Territory’s police leadership.