The union representing firefighters has launched an extraordinary attack on the Northern Territory Police Commissioner, complaining about a toxic culture within the service.
In an incendiary letter sent to Commissioner Jamie Chalker on Tuesday, the United Workers Union demands he apologise for recent comments he allegedly made — or step down as head of the NT Fire and Rescue Service.
It has arrived during a tumultuous period for Commissioner Chalker, who is also facing unrest from members of the police union.
United Workers Union secretary Erina Early used the letter to accuse the commissioner of failing to support firefighters and asked him to take steps to rebuild confidence in his leadership.
"You frequently seem to forget that you are the NT Fire and Rescue leader," the letter said.
The union said its letter was prompted by "unnecessary" remarks it alleges Commissioner Chalker made about firefighters at an induction session in April.
Commissioner Chalker as well as two fire service executives present in the meeting have refuted the claims.
An NT Police, Fire and Emergency services spokesman said Commissioner Chalker addressed recruits and spoke on a range of topics, but did not make the comments attributed to him in recent media coverage.
Ms Early, whose union represents more than 200 firefighters, was not present but alleges she corroborated accounts from people in the room.
She said the union's calls for ageing firefighting assets to be replaced have also been ignored.
The police service has been contacted for further comment.
Police union members call for no confidence vote
The Northern Territory Police Association has also confirmed that some of its members are pushing to hold a vote of no confidence in the commissioner.
Union president Paul McCue said six of the union's 12 member regions had so far passed resolutions asking for a vote to be held.
"The NTPA (Northern Territory Police Association) is governed by its constitution and by-laws and motions from meetings are put before the NTPA Executive for consideration, which is occurring in June," he said.
"We will continue to take a professional approach to the concerns of our members and if a majority of members seek such a motion, we will consider this in June, and if that then proceeds, such a vote would take place independently in due course.
"We will not act outside of the constitution, nor before the majority of regions have had their opportunity to debate such a motion."
Commissioner has 'full confidence' of Chief Minister
Commissioner Chalker has faced scrutiny in recent months over the murder charge laid against NT police officer Constable Zachary Rolfe following a fatal shooting in the remote community of Yuendumu late in 2019.
Constable Rolfe was acquitted of the charge in March.
Commissioner Chalker has since repeatedly denied accusations that he interfered in the laying of the charge.
The NTPA has also criticised former chief minister Michael Gunner over a comment he made in the days after the shooting took place.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Mr Chalker had her "full confidence" and noted the firefighting union was currently negotiating a new enterprise agreement with the public employment commissioner.
