Labor MP Calls for AFP to Assume Control of NT Police Inquiry into Kumanjayi White’s Death Amidst Deaths in Custody Concerns |

An MP from the Albanese government based in Alice Springs has called for federal police to take charge of the criminal investigation into the death of Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Aboriginal man who died last week after being restrained by Northern Territory police in Coles supermarket. White had disabilities and was living in supported accommodation away from his community of Yuendumu. Marion Scrymgour, one of four Indigenous MPs in the federal government and member for Lingiari, stated that assigning AFP detectives to the investigation would allow the Yuendumu community to have full confidence in the process, as she believes a criminal investigation must be conducted by police who can make decisions on bringing charges. The news of White’s death came after Severin Imber’s suicidal ideation, with the community also anticipating the results of an inquest into another death in custody, the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker. This latest incident has raised concerns about trust in the NT police following revelations of racism within the force. Scrymgour argued that using AFP detectives would ensure confidence in the process and avoid criticism. White’s family, along with several organizations, have called for an independent body from another state or territory to conduct the investigation. The Central Land Council has urged the federal government to withhold funding from the NT government until their demand is met. Rallies are planned across major cities this weekend as pressure on how the investigation is handled intensifies.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/05/labor-mp-marion-scrymgour-says-afp-should-take-over-investigation-into-death-of-kumanjayi-white-ntwnfb