Aboriginal police officers claim racism in class action

Aboriginal community police officers have filed a class action against the Northern Territory government, alleging racial discrimination and vilification spanning decades. Officer Shawn Lewfatt stated that they took no joy in suing the government but believed it was their last option to get justice. The class action, filed in the Federal Court by Gordon Legal, alleges that community officers were frequently required to perform the work of constables while receiving significantly lower pay and fewer workplace entitlements. The proceedings aim to secure an apology and compensation for Aboriginal community police officers who were racially vilified and discriminated against over the years. Mr Lewfatt, a community police officer since 1998, said he had endured racist remarks and name-calling year after year, and he had avoided becoming a regular officer out of fear of being more exposed to it. Following an Aboriginal death in custody inquest, NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage found in 2025 there was "clear evidence of entrenched, systemic and structural racism within the NT Police." The class action claim was made under the Racial Discrimination Act, with lawyers stating that "no one should be disadvantaged or targeted because of their race." The class action follows the filing of a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2024, which was terminated in May 2026 after the parties failed to reach a resolution.

(Source：PerthNow)