Aboriginal community police officers are suing Northern Territory authorities and the NT Police Force in a class action alleging systemic racial discrimination, racist abuse and underpayment. Current and former Aboriginal community police officers say they were subjected to racial vilification and abusive conduct in the workplace and that racist language and slurs were used against Indigenous colleagues and community members. The claim also alleges that officers were paid less than others for performing comparable duties. The lawsuit is brought on behalf of Aboriginal community police officers who worked in the NT between 1998 and 2025. One of the leaders is Shawn Lewfatt, a Darwin man who has served as an Aboriginal community police officer since 1998. According to the filing described by media, the complaints cover misconduct over many years and include allegations that some officers experienced ongoing distress associated with their role. The proceedings are ongoing, with the claims set to be tested through the legal process.
Aboriginal community police launch class action against NT Police over alleged discrimination
Aboriginal community police officers are suing Northern Territory authorities and the NT Police Force in a class action alleging systemic racial discrimination, racist abuse and underpayment. Current...
- Aboriginal community police officers file a class action against the Northern Territory government and the NT Police Force.
- The claim alleges racial discrimination and racial vilification toward Indigenous officers and community members.
- Officers allege the use of racist slurs and abusive language in the workplace.
- The class action alleges underpayment for doing the same or similar work.
- The lawsuit covers officers who worked in the NT between 1998 and 2025.
Class action claims Indigenous staff were called slurs, exposed to racist language and paid less for doing the same workWarning: This article contains racist and offensive language directed at First Nations peopleGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAboriginal community police officers are suing the Northern Territory government and the NT police force alleging systemic discrimination and underpayment, the widespread use of racist slurs against Indigenous colleagues and community members, and abuse spanning nearly three decades.The class action, on behalf of Aboriginal community police officers (Acpos or Apos) who worked in the NT between 1998 and 2025, is led Shawn Lewfatt, a Darwin man who has served as an Acpo since 1998. He said decades on the job had left him dreading putting on his uniform. Continue reading...
3 hours agoCurrent and former Aboriginal community police officers have launched a class action alleging they were racially vilified, abused and underpaid while working for the NT Police Force.
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