The Northern Territory government and former police commissioner Jamie Chalker have reached a confidential settlement, ending weeks of speculation about his future as the top cop.
In a joint press release, from both the NT government and Mr Chalker, it was announced the former commissioner had officially retired from his position, weeks after media reports speculated that he had been asked to resign by the government.
"The administrator has accepted Mr Chalker's application to retire from the post of police commissioner," the statement said.
According to the NT Police Administration Act, a commissioner of police may resign at any time, but may only retire under strict circumstances.
Either they have reached the age of 55 – which Mr Chalker has not – or once the administrator of the NT is satisfied that "by reason of illness or other incapacity he is unable to discharge the duties of his position".
The settlement comes one day before Mr Chalker's lawyers were due to file their evidence with the Northern Territory Supreme Court, in legal action seeking to prevent his dismissal that could have seen Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and Police Minister Kate Worden cross examined in court.
Mr Chalker last week launched legal action against Ms Fyles, Ms Worden and the Northern Territory government.
His barrister, Arthur Moses SC, told the court that Mr Chalker was sent a letter from Ms Fyles which outlined a series of "allegations" against him regarding his performance.
Mr Moses told the court some of those allegation were incorrect and asked for more details about them.
Mr Chalker had asked the court to make several declarations, including that he be given an opportunity to respond to Ms Fyles' allegations, before "any steps to revoke [his] appointment" as police commissioner were made.
The court had listed the argument to be heard over three days in June, but the government's settlement with Mr Chalker means the court hearing will now not go ahead.
Chalker 'entitled' to 'financial matters'
The joint statement said both Mr Chalker and the government were "bound by confidentiality obligations" regarding the details of the settlement.
Given Mr Chalker's contract was not due to expire until November 2023, a significant sum of compensation could have been paid to him.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Ms Fyles did not disclose how much he was paid, but said Mr Chalker was "entitled to a number of financial matters".
"I am bound by confidentiality in disclosing details but I always act in the best interest of territorians, and also [am] very respectful to tax payer dollars," Ms Fyles said.
She also said the settlement was reached "at arms length from me as chief minister".
Ms Fyles said Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy would continue in the role until a new commissioner is recruited.
"We would like to have the recruitment done as efficiently as possible … these executive positions do tend to take a few months for the recruitment process," she said.
"We’ll make sure everything is shared with the public and, particularly, that the police force understands the process going forward."
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro described the events leading up to the settlement as a government "bungle".
"Natasha Fyles needs to front up to taxpayers and tell them how much she paid," Ms Finocchiaro said.
A 'decorated' career with NT Police
The joint statement was glowing of Mr Chalker's lengthy career as a Northern Territory police officer and three-and-a-half years as police commissioner.
"As police commissioner, Mr Chalker served on many national law-enforcement boards … He also received prominent acknowledgement for his strong leadership as the territory controller through several natural disasters and the territory's successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the management of the centre for national resilience," the statement said.
"The NT government is grateful for the commissioner's service and wishes him well in the next phase of his career."
Mr Chalker said it had been a "tremendous privilege" to work with the men and women of the NT Police and the territory's Fire and Emergency Services.
"I want to wish all of my colleagues the very best in the future and thank them for their ongoing dedication to all territorians," Mr Chalker said.
"Personally, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and the opportunities that await."
In a statement, Acting Police Commissioner Michael Murphy thanked Mr Chalker for his service to NT Police.
"On behalf of the agency, I want to thank Mr Chalker for his commitment and dedication to the women and men of this agency, and the community which we all serve," Acting Commissioner Murphy said.
"Territorians can be assured that the women and men of [NT Police, Fire and Emergency Service] remain committed to their duties and will continue to serve and protect the community."
