Aboriginal community police officers sue NT authorities over alleged racial abuse and discrimination
Aboriginal community police officers sue the NT government and police for systemic racism, racist slurs, and underpayment over nearly three decades.Summary
The class action, filed in July 2024 by Gordon Legal on behalf of Aboriginal community police officers (Acpos) who served in the Northern Territory between 1998 and 2025, alleges systemic racism, including the routine use of racist slurs, violent and dehumanising language, and chronic underpayment compared to non‑Indigenous constables performing similar duties. Lead plaintiff Shawn Lewfatt, an Acpo since 1998, said he endured decades of abuse that forced him to take medical leave, and that the discrimination was widespread and ignored by senior police. The suit claims violations of the Racial Discrimination Act and seeks redress for the alleged unlawful treatment of approximately 60 Acpos, potentially affecting hundreds of officers.
(Source：The Guardian)