The police commissioner of the Northern Territory has been dismissed following a jobs-for-friends controversy uncovered by a corruption investigation body.

The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry found that Michael Murphy had engaged in improper and unsatisfactory conduct concerning the appointment of a senior officer, where he had a personal conflict of interest as the appointee was one of his friends.

ICAC’s report disclosed that early in 2024, Murphy was part of the panel that appointed his friend to a senior role.

Meanwhile, Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, declared that Murphy had lost the government’s confidence and accordingly requested his resignation.

Murphy’s immediate leave has been enforced, and Martin Dole has been named as the acting police commissioner.

The dismissal followed ICAC branding Murphy’s actions as both negligent and incompetent.

The Northern Territory Police Association had previously demanded Murphy’s resignation, expressively stating that members’ trust had been irrevocably damaged and lamenting his betrayal.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/09/nt-police-commissioner-ousted-amid-jobs-for-mates-scandal-ntwnfb