Northern Territory Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker will not return to work as planned, after launching court action against the NT government over his position.
In a statement on Wednesday morning — on the day Commissioner Chalker was due to return to work after taking pre-approved leave — Chief Minister Natasha Fyles confirmed he "remains on leave".
"As I have said previously, we have been in negotiations with Mr Chalker," Ms Fyles said.
"This week a matter was commenced in the Supreme Court. I am aware of reports discussing that matter, but will not provide comments as the matter is currently before the court."
She said the government's negotiations with Commissioner Chalker were ongoing.
"We continue to negotiate with Mr Chalker, and at this time he remains on leave," she said.
Ms Fyles said Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy would continue in the role.
It is unclear when Commissioner Chalker will return to work or whether he is on paid or unpaid leave.
Last week Commissioner Chalker filed a Supreme Court motion against Ms Fyles, Police Minister Kate Worden and the NT government in a bid to prevent his dismissal.
It comes after weeks of speculation around Commissioner Chalker's position and reports he was asked to resign.
The NT Supreme Court in Darwin has set aside three days from June 7 for Commissioner Chalker's case to be heard by Justice Judith Kelly.
His barrister, Arthur Moses SC, told the court on Monday that Ms Fyles and Ms Worden would be cross-examined during the hearing.
Commissioner Chalker commenced his role in 2019, and his current term was set to end in November this year.
NT Police said in a statement it was advised by the chief minister on Wednesday morning that Commissioner Chalker would not be returning to work.
The statement reads:
"The Commissioner of Police and CEO of Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Jamie Chalker APM, is currently involved in a legal matter with the Northern Territory Government and today the Chief Minister advised us that the Commissioner will remain on leave and Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy will continue to act in the role during this time."
