The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner says he is considering whether to open an inquiry into the arrest of Constable Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu two years ago.
Following a five-week trial, a jury last week found Constable Rolfe not guilty of murder and two alternative charges in relation to Mr Walker's death in the remote community on November 9, 2019.
Constable Rolfe was arrested and charged four days later.
Since the verdict was handed down, the NT Police Association and the NT Opposition have called for an independent inquiry into the decision to charge him.
In the days after the shooting, Chief Minister Michael Gunner told a gathering in Yuendumu that "consequences will flow".
He has since said that he was referring to a future coronial inquest into the incident.
But the Police Association and the Opposition said the comment had the appearance of political interference.
The police union has also said some officers were uncomfortable with the way the investigation into Constable Rolfe was handled, and had since left the force.
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches responded with a statement.
"I am presently considering whether I should inquire into the circumstances of the investigation and arrest of Mr Rolfe," Mr Riches said.
"While I appreciate the public interest in the matter, I will not be rushed to decide whether or not I will investigate."
He encouraged anyone with information about the arrest of Constable Rolfe, or the investigation into him, to contact his office.
Mr Riches has been in his role for the past nine months, after replacing former ICAC boss Ken Fleming following his retirement in the middle of last year.
In 2019, Mr Fleming removed himself from any role in investigating the shooting, after a complaint was lodged with the ICAC Inspector about a public comment he made following the shooting.
"I am aware of previous statements by this office relating to the ICAC's involvement in the NT Police investigation and ultimate arrest of Mr Rolfe," Mr Riches said.
"I am not aware of any investigative steps taken by the Office of the ICAC between 15 November 2019 and my commencement on 6 July 2021.
"Given the prosecution was already well underway when I started I did not consider it appropriate to conduct inquiries at that time."
