Commissioner Michael Murphy has delivered a speech at the Garma Festival today, where he recognised the harm done to the Aboriginal community by the NT police force.
"I am deeply sorry to all Aboriginal Territorians, for the past harms and the injustices caused by members of the Northern Territory Police," he says.
"Throughout our 154 years of policing in the Northern Territory, we have aimed to work effectively with Aboriginal people and deliver just outcomes. However, we acknowledge that we have made mistakes."
The death of Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker offered an opportunity for the force to reflect on its history, Mr Murphy said, as he acknowledged the hurt and anger in the community.
Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by then-constable Zachary Rolfe in November 2019, during an attempted arrest.
Mr Rolfe, who was a Tactical Response Group member, was acquitted of murder during a five-week trial in 2022 and is no longer serving as a police officer.
Speaking to ABC News, Mr Murphy said "It's a time to make a change. We need to own our past."
"As the commissioner of police, I'm responsible for the leadership of the agency and the future of it and where we're headed.
"This is a real opportunity to seize on that and make a difference for the future and make it a better place."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressed the festival and announced a .
