Aboriginal community police officers sue NT over racial abuse and underpayment

Consensus Summary

Aboriginal community police officers (Acpos) in the Northern Territory have launched a class action lawsuit against the NT government and police force, alleging systemic racial abuse, discrimination, and underpayment spanning nearly three decades. The lawsuit, filed in July by Gordon Legal, represents officers who worked between 1998 and 2025, with lead applicant Shawn Lewfatt—a Darwin-based Acpo since 1998—describing decades of racist slurs, dehumanizing language, and unequal pay. The case follows a terminated Human Rights Commission complaint in May, after a two-year process, and is set to go before the Federal Court later this month, with lawyers seeking a trial in 2027.

The allegations stem from a deeply entrenched culture of racism within the NT Police Force, as documented in the 2019 coronial inquest into the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker. The inquest found 'clear evidence of systemic and structural racism,' and while NT Police later released an anti-racism strategy, officers like Lewfatt argue little has changed. The lawsuit also highlights a persistent pay disparity, with Acpos earning less than non-Indigenous constables for comparable work, despite performing duties at a similar level. The case could involve hundreds of current and former officers, reflecting the widespread nature of the claims.

Shawn Lewfatt, who has served for almost 30 years, has been a vocal advocate for change, describing how racist taunts—such as 'boong,' 'coons,' and 'slappos'—were openly used against him and Indigenous colleagues. He also recounted hearing violent language, including references to Aboriginal people as 'fucking dogs' or 'camp dogs,' and claims of being chronically underpaid for work equivalent to that of non-Indigenous constables. Lewfatt’s testimony, reported by both the Guardian and ABC, underscores the psychological toll of enduring such treatment, including his need to 'numb himself' to function at work. Lawyer Seb O’Meara, representing the officers, described the allegations as 'systemic' and 'widespread,' involving senior personnel who failed to intervene.

While both the Guardian and ABC agree on the core details of the lawsuit—including its timing, key figures, and allegations—they emphasize different aspects of the story. The Guardian focuses on the specific racist language used and Lewfatt’s personal account of abuse, while the ABC ties the case to the 2019 Walker inquest and NT Police’s subsequent anti-racism measures. The ABC also notes that the Human Rights Commission complaint was filed in September 2024, providing a clearer timeline for the legal process, whereas the Guardian does not specify this date. Both outlets, however, confirm the lawsuit’s potential to grow to include hundreds of officers and the NT Police’s refusal to comment further.

The next steps in the case are clear: the Federal Court hearing later this month will determine whether the matter proceeds to trial in 2027. Officers are seeking compensation for the 'loss and damage' suffered, as well as an apology from NT Police, framing their legal action as a last resort after decades of internal struggles. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for workplace accountability in law enforcement, particularly regarding racial discrimination and pay equity. For now, the focus remains on the courtroom, where the officers’ claims of systemic abuse will be tested against the NT government’s response.