Senator Lidia Thorpe is calling on the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, to stand firm in her initial support for an independent investigation into the death of 24-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi White, who died under police restraint in Mparntwe/Alice Springs on Tuesday 27 May.
Senator Thorpe says the Acting NT Police Commissioner’s rejection of those calls on Friday — reportedly after consultation with Minister McCarthy — is unacceptable and undermines the family’s demands for truth and accountability.
Kumanjayi White, a disabled man under state guardianship and an NDIS participant, died after being restrained on the ground by two plainclothes officers inside a Coles supermarket in Mparntwe/Alice Springs last Tuesday.
His family and community have called for an independent investigation, the release of all CCTV and body-worn camera footage to the family, and for police to stop publicly denigrating Kumanjayi White.
Read the media statement from Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, the grandfather of Kumanjayi White.
Senator Thorpe says federal leadership is needed to ensure justice, and that NT Police cannot be allowed to investigate their own officers in a case involving a death in custody.
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
"Minister McCarthy was right to voice support for an independent investigation. That is what the family asked for, and it’s the only way to ensure justice. She must not back down under pressure from the Acting Commissioner.
"It is deeply disrespectful for the Acting Commissioner to reject the family’s demands — and it's not good enough that after initially supporting those calls, Minister McCarthy has now gone silent.
"It is her responsibility to intervene and push back on the Acting Commissioner.
"I’m calling on Minister McCarthy to publicly reaffirm her support for an independent investigation, and for the Prime Minister and Attorney-General to back that call and ensure it happens.
"The NT Police’s response has been disrespectful and predictable. They’re already spinning a narrative that blames Kumanjayi, while refusing to release the footage that could help the family better understand his death.
"The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody called for independence when it comes to investigating deaths in custody. This is vital to ensure public confidence, avoid institutional bias and conflicts of interest, and deliver real justice for families.
"That was over 30 years ago — and still, here we are. After everything revealed through the Kumanjayi Walker Inquest about racism and misconduct in the NT Police, the need for true independence in this case is more urgent than ever.
"We need transparency. We need an end to victim-blaming. And we need the federal government to step up, instead of standing by while more of our people die on their watch.
"What happened to Kumanjayi White is part of a violent system — one that treats First Peoples — particularly those who are disabled — as threats, not humans to be cared for.
"For decades we’ve been calling for change. But governments continue to ignore the calls of grieving mothers and devastated communities.
"This is a national crisis, and it demands national action from the federal government.
"That includes fully implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. We’ve had the solutions for over 30 years. What we don’t have is the political will or courage.
"And if Closing the Gap agreement is to achieve anything, it needs to come with teeth — not just meaningless targets. There must be real accountability mechanisms for states and territories who are failing First Peoples, including consequences for harm.
"My heart is with the Warlpiri people, with the Yuendumu community, and with Kumanjayi White’s family.
"They are grieving — and now they’re forced to fight again, not just for answers, but for basic respect and dignity.
"It’s time for action. Minister McCarthy and the Albanese government must step up."