UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, the Northern Territory Coroner has confirmed that the death of Kumanjayi Walker, a 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man, was “entirely avoidable” and rooted in systemic racism within the NT Police. This urgent report comes after years of hearings, highlighting the ongoing failures faced by First Nations people in Australia.
On November 9, 2019, Kumanjayi Walker was shot three times at close range by police officer Zachary Rolfe in his home in Yuendumu. Despite Rolfe’s acquittal from criminal charges, the Coroner’s findings paint a damning picture of institutional neglect and racism. The report indicates that Walker’s death is not merely a tragic incident involving a “bad apple,” but rather a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue.
The findings were released without the media attention typically reserved for high-profile cases, such as the Prime Minister’s recent press conference on anti-Semitism. Walker’s family stated, “Our community is now looking to the future,” and reiterated their call for self-determination under Warlpiri control and justice mechanisms that are truly effective.
The Coroner has issued several recommendations aimed at addressing these issues, but many experts argue that they fall short of the significant reforms needed to ensure real accountability within the police force. For years, inquiries and royal commissions have highlighted the same patterns of systemic neglect, over-policing, and institutional racism that continue to endanger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lives.
The UN has urged Australia to undertake “comprehensive reform” based on the evidence presented in this latest report. However, political leaders have largely remained silent, choosing to overlook the urgent need for action. This silence reflects deeper societal issues regarding who gets heard and which deaths are deemed politically inconvenient.
As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to face discrimination and violence, the call for meaningful change grows louder. Activists stress the importance of compelling governments to act—not just through expert recommendations, but by listening to the families and communities most affected.
It is critical for the public to engage in this issue, raising their voices and influencing political action. As Walker’s family and supporters push for justice, they are calling on all Australians to recognize and uplift true anti-racism advocates as heroes in this ongoing struggle.
For further insights, read and share the family’s statement here: Instagram Statement.
This urgent situation demands immediate attention and action from both the government and the community. Without a concerted effort to address these systemic issues, the cycle of injustice and tragedy will persist.
