The inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death was supposed to be handed down 2.5 years ago but was delayed due to legal challenges filed on behalf of Rolfe and most recently because of the tragic police killing of Kumanjayi White, a cousin of Kumanjayi Walker’s.

The inquest laid bare the racism in NT Police and today, the coroner found that Zachary Rolfe ‘was racist’ and made 32 recommendations.

Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:

"My thoughts are with Kumanjayi Walker’s family and the community of Yuendemu who have anticipated this report for far too long and had to go through this painful process for years. They are exhausted, they are hurting and they deserve justice.

"What this inquest shows is what First Peoples have known forever: that racism is killing us.

"The Coroner found Zachary Rolfe was racist, and was enabled by a police force that bore “all the hallmarks of institutional racism.” 

"This was not simply a case of “one bad apple” - but rather, the result of the complete normalisation of racist and dehumanising conduct, that was not only tolerated, but implicitly endorsed by NT Police. 

"This was an entirely avoidable tragedy and NT Police must reckon with the role it played in normalising and condoning racist policing.    

"It’s trauma after trauma for our families, with no one ever held accountable. It’s time for a complete overhaul of the NT police to once and for all to eradicate the institutional racism within it.

"In the last week alone, there have been two further First Nations men - both in their 40s - who tragically died in custody, both at Parklea prison in NSW. These are not insulated incidents but the result of systemic racism and systemic failure.

"These deaths cast a shadow over NAIDOC week celebrations and we need to get back to the origins of NAIDOC and call for a day of mourning for our people who continue to die at the hands of the system.

"The Coroner has recommended the NT Government invest in better supports for kids, early intervention, mental health and wrap-around youth services, and further transferring power to the Yuendumu community to lead and deliver such services. The NT Government must heed the advice of the Coroner and fully implement her recommendations. 

"We know that the so-called ‘community safety approach’ governments across the country are taking through further tightening bail laws and increased policing in our communities does nothing but harm. I have called on governments to provide much needed support and wrap-around services to our communities for years and it is good to see that Coroner Armitage recommends the same.

"Youth services are incredibly important for our young people across the board and even more so in remote communities. The NT and federal governments need to immediately reverse cuts to youth services and instead expand these programs.

"The inquest findings and recommendations highlight the importance of self-determined solutions for our people, and the support of our communities and children, rather than punishment.

"I welcome Coroner Armitage’s recommendation to, in consultation with the Yuendemu community, provide for First Peoples led, on Country rehabilitation and diversion programs. The colonial legal system criminalises and harms our people and all too often kills them. Diversionary programs, developed and led by community, can bring much better outcomes for the individual, the family and the whole community.

"I welcome the recommendation that NT police engage directly with the Yuendumu leadership groups to develop mutual respect agreements, including on the carrying of firearms in the community. NT Police need to respect the wishes of Walpiri elder Ned Hargreaves by not bringing guns into Yuendumu.

"This should not just be another report that governments choose not to act on. All the Coroner reports, Royal Commissions and inquiries are worth nothing if no action is taken."