The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner has announced he will investigate the decision to arrest and charge police officer Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019.
Earlier this month, a jury found Constable Rolfe not guilty of murder and two alternative charges over Mr Walker's death during an attempted arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu.
Constable Rolfe was charged four days after the incident.
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Michael Riches, said he would investigate allegations of improper conduct relating to the arrest, with a focus on the period between the shooting and the "presentation of Mr Rolfe for charging".
"In due course, I will consider whether I will hear some or all witnesses by way of public inquiry," he said.
"If that occurs, notice will be given in accordance with section 39 of the ICAC Act."
Mr Riches said he would conduct the investigation "as expeditiously as my resources will allow".
"Any action taken as a consequence of the investigation, including the making of reports or public statements, will be in accordance with the ICAC Act," he said.
"I will not offer a running commentary on the investigation, and I have no further statement to make at this time."
NT Police to cooperate with inquiry
The ICAC's announcement comes after ongoing allegations of political interference over the decision to charge Constable Rolfe.
All allegations made by the NT Police Association and the Northern Territory opposition have been strenuously denied by NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker.
This morning, Mr Gunner said the ICAC was within its rights to investigate the issue.
"The ICAC can choose what they look at … I recognise the independence of the ICAC, and what they choose to look at," he said.
When asked whether he thought an ICAC inquiry was necessary, he answered: "No".
Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has called for Mr Gunner to stand aside as Chief Minister for the duration of the investigation.
"The perception of political interference, his failures of leadership and claims that an independent investigation is 'completely unnecessary', is too great for Michael Gunner to continue in his current role," she said.
In a statement on Tuesday, NT Police said it had been advised of the upcoming investigation.
"NT Police will cooperate fully with the inquiry," the statement said.
"As the matter is now before the ICAC, there will be no further comment."
The Northern Territory Police Association has welcomed the investigation.
Meanwhile, the NT opposition has been calling for an independent inquiry into Constable Rolfe's arrest — separate to an ICAC investigation and upcoming coronial inquest — which Mr Gunner also said he did not believe was needed.
