Independent inquiry into senior police recruitment

In March 2025, the Northern Territory Government announced an inquiry into senior police recruitments.

The inquiry was facilitated through the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment and led by the Hon Acting Justice Alan Blow AO, Acting Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

The purpose of the inquiry is outlined in the terms of reference below.

Terms of reference

Examine recruitment processes relating to appointment of officers in the NT Police Force since August 2023, to the rank of deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner, commander and superintendent, having consideration of:

• whether panel processes were conducted in line with the NT Police recruitment standards and the general order: code of conduct and ethics
• whether evidence that merit to undertake the role as required under s15A of the Police Administration Act 1978 has been demonstrated by the successful candidate in each process, and
• determine what remedial action may be required on the above and whether there are other recruitment matters outside of these terms of reference that may require remedy or further investigation and recommend the course of action to pursue or respond to them.

The final report has now been provided to the Minister for Police for consideration.

Read the independent review of the Northern Territory Police recruitment processes final report PDF (564.7 KB).