The Territory government has gone national in its search for the next NT Police Commissioner. Here’s the criteria of what it takes to be the big brass.
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles says she places “full faith” in acting Police Commissioner Michael Murphy as senior Labor figures admit they are “gobsmacked” she refuses to clarify the future of Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker. Ms Fyles clarified it was “appropriate” to have conversations with Mr Chalker about his future as Police Commissioner, but she refused to hand out details from private conversations. Senior Labor figures have expressed their frustration alongside the Coalition, suggesting the uncertainty Ms Fyles has let continue will do her political career significant damage.
The government is searching for a “calm, resilient, motivated, and capable executive with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity” that “ideally” has leadership experience in policing, fire and emergency service environments to take on the role.
The ideal candidate will have a “demonstrated track record of inspiring and communicating a sense of purpose, direction, and the need to change and grow together as a team or organisation.”
Selection criteria includes a “demonstrated reputation for unquestioned integrity” and a “strong track record of exercising sound judgment”, with a postgraduate qualification in business or management “highly desirable”.
The advertisement appeared online on Friday afternoon.
Advertised as a “pivotal leadership role aimed at ensuring a safe and resilient Northern Territory”, the successful candidate will be tasked with managing a multimillion-dollar budget and leading “circa 2,300 full time staff” across police, fire and emergency services.
If successful, the candidate will relocate to Darwin – with the government advertising the city as a “top destination for visitors” with a large variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping and cultural attractions.
Appearing to try and nab those with a penchant for a boogie, it also advertises a “great night-life scene with lots of clubs and bars open late.”
It says the city offers “accommodation of all styles, sizes and budgets”, strangely circling in on Darwin’s high rate of swimming pool ownership as a pulling factor.
The salary range is advertised as ECO6 – which according to the government’s website means between $360,826 and $391,848, including salary, superannuation and vehicle, is on offer.
The advertisement, which appeared online on Friday, comes after the retirement of former police commissioner Jamie Chalker in April.
Acting Police Commissioner Michael Murphy has confirmed he intends to apply for the role. Picture: Zizi Averill.
Mr Chalker stepped down as commissioner following a lengthy dispute and court challenge against the Territory government.
Mr Chalker received an undisclosed settlement from the NT Government following the dispute.
Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy has acted as commissioner sine Mr Chalker’s resignation, and has confirmed he intends to apply to take on the role permanently.
“I’m well-trained, I understand policing very well, I’ve got a good team and we’ve got great officers across the frontline,” he said.