The Northern Territory’s top cop has filed a motion against the jurisdiction’s leadership in response to long-running rumours of his dismissal.
Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has filed a motion against the NT government, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and Police Minister Kate Worden to prevent his dismissal.
It comes after weeks of speculation over Mr Chalker’s potential dismissal, after Sky News reported in early April the government had asked him to resign.
Mr Chalker’s lawyer has requested a three-day hearing in the NT Supreme Court.
“We intend to cross-examine the chief minister and the police minister,” said his lawyer Arthur Moses, SC.
Mr Chalker will also seek orders over the involvement of Ms Fyles and Ms Worden in any potential revocation of his appointment.
Ms Fyles told ABC Radio Darwin on Tuesday morning that negotiations with Mr Chalker would continue in good faith.
“We are continuing these negotiations in good faith, they are before the court, so we need to respect that process,” she said.
Mr Chalker is currently on pre-approved leave, and is scheduled to return to work on Wednesday.
He stepped into the role of police commissioner in 2019, shortly before a police officer was charged – but then acquitted – over the shooting death of an Indigenous teenager.
Before his appointment, Mr Chalker had been based in numerous remote Aboriginal communities and worked in homicide during a 24-year career with NT Police.
Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy remains at the helm of the force.
-AAP
