Police Commissioner Michael Murphy is the “senior public officer” the ICAC found engaged in improper conduct by hiring a mate for a senior role in the NT Police, but he has refused to resign, despite the findings that his actions amounted to “negligence and incompetence”.
Mr Murphy issued a public statement on Thursday afternoon identifying himself, days after an independent MLA said she would name him in Parliament, and after nearly a week of speculation and a full-blown political crisis for Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, in which she continued on Thursday not to take any action against the commissioner after learning last week he was found by the ICAC to have engaged in improper conduct.
“I acknowledge the media relating to [the ICAC] statement and that it relates to a recruitment process I chaired,” Mr Murphy said in the statement.
“My role as the Commissioner is to ensure there is trust and confidence in the Northern Territory Police Force, the service it provides and its internal governance.”
The ICAC’s delegate Patricia Kelly released a public statement about Operation Apollo last Friday morning, finding that a “senior public officer” hired a close friend for a job while sitting on the hiring panel early last year, where he also provided a reference for the friend, and his successful job application. The ICAC’s delegate found his actions resulted in a “substantial detriment to the public interest and was also an inappropriate use of public resources…”.
However, Mr Murphy repeatedly failed to identify himself as the public officer until Thursday afternoon and refused to answer questions first posed to him by the NT Independent last Friday.
“I accept that I should have dealt better with a conflict of interest, a friendship and a referee report in relation to an appointee,” he said in the statement.
“On reflection, I should have managed the friendship and the conflict of interest to a higher standard and on at least one occasion should have recused myself from the appointment process in order to ensure community confidence.”
The NT Independent understands the appointment related to now-Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Kennon, who is a long-time friend of Mr Murphy.
Mr Murphy made no mention of having the position reviewed or any of his other appointments.
He claimed that all promotions made within the NT Police over the past 12 months, including the role of Deputy Commissioner, three Assistant Commissioners, five Commanders and 18 Superintendents were all “awarded to the most meritorious and best candidates”.
He added that he accepted two recommendations made by the ICAC and that he was “committed to developing a clear written policy position for police executive recruitments” as well as developing an “education and training program for all members” around conflicts of interest.
Chief Minister involved in ‘cover-up’ of improper conduct
Ms Finocchiaro refused again on Thursday to explain why she did not immediately seek advice from the Solicitor-General after being briefed by the ICAC Greg Shanahan last week about Mr Murphy’s conduct. Instead of referring the matter on for a possible criminal investigation – or demanding Mr Murphy’s resignation – Ms Finocchiaro maintained all week that the misconduct was nothing more than an ICAC “learning tool” for public servants.
Ms Finocchiaro has repeatedly claimed the ICAC told her she could not name Mr Murphy, but did not explain why she did not take action against him or refer him for a criminal investigation.
This morning, the NT Independent requested that Ms Finocchiaro’s office make the advice she received from the Solicitor General public, which has occurred in the past, to provide greater transparency.
Ms Finocchiaro’s office did not respond to that email request and has still not responded to questions from Tuesday about what she intends to do concerning the Murphy debacle.
She issued a statement to all media before Mr Murphy’s statement this afternoon, in which she claimed that the “Solicitor-General confirm[ed] the ICAC’s previous advice”.
“I share the same frustrations as the community surrounding this whole situation,” she said, adding the ICAC has been “paid” more than $35 million to operate.
“It is clear more needs to be done than what we inherited from Labor to give confidence to Territorians that the Territory’s integrity functions are fit for purpose.”
Ms Finocchiaro refused to release the Solicitor-General’s advice. Solicitor-General Nikolai Christup also refused to comment on whether his advice did in fact back up Mr Shanahan’s advice to the Chief Minister. But it still does not explain why Ms Finocchiaro took no action after learning her police commissioner had engaged in improper conduct and was found to have engaged in “negligence and incompetence”.
Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said it was clear the Chief Minister not only refused to take action, but has “actively worked to cover it up”.
“Lia Finocchiaro has serious questions to answer: What has she been doing all week? Has she spoken to the Police Commissioner? And why does she think it’s acceptable to repeatedly mislead Territorians?” she said.
“Lia Finocchiaro can’t have it both ways. She demanded accountability in opposition, and now it’s time for her to live up to her own standard. No more hiding behind ICAC. Territorians deserve answers – why did she cover this up?”
How many chances does this dill get?, sack him now and his mate.
The Commissioner’s statement contains a footnote stating that it was updated at 4.25pm today, but does not specify what content was amended, or why. What are the changes from the original version?
Another star Labor appointed COP. Selina Uibo shouldn’t be so smug after the police fiasco that has continued long after the fiasco at Lajamanu.
So… he has been found corrupt, he identifies himself as that corrupt person. While his boss, the person he reports to, Lia does nothing except say she is getting advice! I’ts not like Michael didn’t know what he was doing, every company, every government business and department has procedures and a code of conduct to follow!
Will Fisk?
All Territorians should be concerned, worried and had a gutful:
(1) In going to say it “ A no confidence motion in the CM and this CLP”
(2) Federal ICAC investigates the “ Lack of” from this thing that promised so much and delivered FA!
(3) I can only suggest that the very fact this Police commissioner, as a public officer, engaged in such poor conduct may be because he possibly had been witness to other cases that went unchallenged! He does not strike me as a stupid human! My bet is that ever since that racial outburst, the knives have been out for him, and he got got!
(4) A senior anaesthetist commits suicide with allegations of child pornography apparently, Crime has increased wherein a 101 yr old is attacked, the highest position in the NT police force exposed, Our NT DEBT is increasing and we have a Chief Minister that appears to be holier than now, a dictator of sorts!
What a shit fight!
And l will say this- you and l must take a portion of blame because our voiceless apathy and “she’ll be right attitude” has educated this muppet show of leadership to act and conduct themselves as they do!
If we want a good, deserved NT future for ourselves and our kids it’s time to pull our heads out of our Butts and be more vocal than we were with Lachlan!
So let’s hope the sound of heads popping out is deafening across this piece of Australia we love!
Lia you are a disgrace!!
The MLA’s that have resigned to just sit out their term well you are no better- Your electorates had faith in each of you in polling day and your responsibility to them must be larger than YOU and your MLA perks and income!!!
Shame on you for your disrespect!
l’m guessing coffee with a cop will be off for awhile?.
With the federal election coming up Territorians have a really powerful moment to assess how we could be better represented in Federal Parliament!
(1) Where is Jacinta?
(2) Why is Jacinta quiet?
(3) Jacinta is CLP and , my apologies but,( excuse the choice of language) WTF- l want to hear our federal representatives protecting Territorians, driving change, accountability from way up from the vast federal arsenal!
(4) Why are Territorians so poorly represented, Even Labor are quiet- it seems the only person in the Territory that’s prepared to put arse kicking boots on is and Independant Justine Davis- l can’t wait to meet this person of character and pride!
When the Territory government fails its people our federal elected members should have our backs!
Arsehole the lot of them except Ns Davis!
From An old Mitsubishi advert
“ Please consider”
Seems negligence and incompetence are the new values of our executive leaders across government. Corruption breeds corruption. The likely reason Politicians refused to comment is they may be held to the same standard. They are all crap and there is no hope. The unthinking majority have consumed the propaganda and we have collectively lost the ability to research for ourselves.
It is easier to follow someone that it is to convince someone they have been fooled.
The next comment should be left to the Chief Minister. Accountability / Transparency. Without such a confession, there is no future for all territorians.
So how many times must it be proven that the commissioner has no integrity, lacks morals and is likely corrupt? He lied under oarh… no accountability, he brought the entire pilice service under fure with his self servibg apology for historical racism, ignoring his own behaviours and he has now been shown to be blatantly corruptionng the promotional process.
He has brought shame and condemnation on the police service.
Time to go!
Boundless negligeNT
Boundless incompeteNT
Boundless unpleasaNT
Boundless sileNT
Boundless ignoraNT
Boundless malignaNT
Boundless stagnaNT
The role of the Police Commissioner has been tainted since John Roberts was found guilty (and jailed) for inappropriate conduct with the travel rorts. The conflict of interest was obvious to Murphy. He’s a seasoned public servant and knew ‘the rules’. He simply chose to ignore them and hope no one challenged him.
Time to go, Michael.
This furore represents only one of several crises in the justice system; yet even more gargantuan problems have emerged in Aboriginal Affairs, Mining, Defence, Education, Health, Media, Agriculture, Local Government, Water Resources, accommodation, and fuel industries.
We are fast running out of time, so these cannot be dealt with on a piecemeal basis. If the Territory is to survive beyond two years, a volunteer council of interested parties needs to get together and identify the nature of obstacles, present the range of available forms of resolution, and survey the community to identify consensus. The process must be transparent and totally open.
The situation is stark. Those who rely on Australia’s mass media may be unaware of this but as we speak, almost every western economy is teetering on the abyss, including the once-mighty economies of Germany and the US. The twin causes are, universally, incompetence and corruption. We can join them on their slide to oblivion or take the reins and ride to prosperity. It is that simple
because in the NT we do indeed have the resources to reconstruct.
Every Territorian who can spare a few hours should volunteer. We do not need PhDs or vast resources at our disposal, just the will to succeed and share whatever knowledge or wisdom we possess. History has shown that if a mere 15% of us are committed, miracles will happen. That is because 99.99% of knowledge and wisdom resides outside of government.
This is the wisdom. Thank you Tony Ryan. It’s our democracy, no point complaining if we don’t take part. I’m relieved to see lots of community action and volunteering at the moment. Join join join!
https://images.app.goo.gl/T34ibM3fuJAN5MFb9
This is hardly the worst conduct we’ve seen in recent years. If the candidate was the most meritorious (let’s not assume that they weren’t) then there is no damage. I am curious who made the ICAC referral and what were their motivations? I am not at all surprised that the police union are on the attack. Murphy has a tough gig, made some mistakes, and also shown ethical leadership at times. I’m not here to be judge and jury on how he’s going, but let’s not pretend that those baying for blood are suddenly motivated by transparency!
This is not a single incidence of inappropriate behaviour from this guy. he has lied under oath on a number of investigations, he has failed to proceed against other officers who have committed perjury and he now rewards his closest mate with a rapid promotion following his mates promise to tow the line and ignore evidence.
Murphy is not fit to be a police officer, let alone a commissioned officer.
By Christ you have low standards if you think this flog is acceptable as a public official.
I didn’t quite say that Tazz 🙂
As A Servant points out, he’s done worse than this, but when he’s lying to protect officers, the PA is quiet? No integrity on any side. Except Justine Davis.