Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro, says the CLP Opposition welcomes the investigation by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, which will specifically focus on the four days between the fatal Yuendumu shooting and the charging of Constable Zachary Rolfe.
“The Chief Minister should stand aside, immediately, while this investigation is underway. 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.
“It’s clear now why the Chief Minister told media this morning that he didn’t think an ICAC investigation is necessary. He knew he would be exposed for promising a mourning community an outcome that impugned police wrongdoing, before a thorough investigation had taken place, and now has to answer questions around his involvement before the anti-corruption watchdog.
“The criminal trial was held in open court. The coronial inquest will be held in open court. We support the ICAC Commissioner, wherever necessary, to hear witnesses by way of public hearings, which is an important part of restoring community confidence.
“That way, the public, our police and the Yuendumu community can have confidence they are part of the process to uncover:
- Why the decision was made to charge Constable Rolfe, despite senior detectives expressing concerns about the speed and urgency of the charge;
- What evidence the decision-makers based that charge on; and
- What influence Michael Gunner’s words in Yuendumu in the days after the shooting had on the investigation or charging of Constable Rolfe, when he promised that ‘consequences will flow’.
“Michael Gunner’s chronic lack of leadership has broken our police, created deep division in our community and damaged our justice system. He must resign,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
ENDS