The coroner charged with investigating the circumstances of Kumanjayi Walker's death has expressed her sincere condolences to the family and community of the Yuendumu teenager.
NT Police Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of the 19-year-old's murder two weeks ago.
At a directions hearing in the Darwin Lower court this morning, Acting Coroner Elisabeth Armitage sought to reassure the Yuendumu community, who are still reeling from the result.
"The grief and shock from this young man's traumatic death must be of the highest degree. I expect that the family's grief has been greatly compounded by feelings of anger, fear and confusion."
The coroner noted that much had been said with regards to the case, but that Yuendumu residents had not been given their fair share of the dialogue.
"I recognize that the families' and the community’s voices have not yet had an opportunity to be heard and understood.
Acting Coroner Elizabeth Armitage says the Yuendumu community have been left out of the conversation surrounding Kumanjayi Walker's death. Source: Supplied: ABC
"This inquest cannot undo the past. We will, however, provide you with the opportunity to express your distress, your fears and concerns, and your hopes for the future.
"We will endeavour to not simply hear you but to understand you.
Ms Armitage said the goal of the inquest was to gain a greater understanding of the events of November 9 2019, when Kumanjayi Walker was shot by Constable Rolfe, and to help prevent such deaths in the future.
Seven parties representing both the Rolfe and Walker families, police and the health department will appear at the inquest.
Another directions hearing, to be held at the end of May, may shed light on how long the inquest will run and could include even further applications from other parties wanting to join the inquest.
Zachary Rolfe departs the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in Darwin, Thursday, March 10, 2022. Source: AAP
ICAC to investigate Rolfe arrest, charges
Meanwhile, allegations of political interference from Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker and Chief Minister Michael Gunner in the case against Zachary Rolfe have continued to gather momentum.
Constable Rolfe was charged just four days after he shot and killed the Warlpiri teenager in the community of Yuendumu in November 2019.
Today, NT ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches said he would begin investigating as soon as resources "will allow".
"I will investigate allegations of improper conduct relating to the arrest and charge of Mr Zachary Rolfe," he said in a statement.
"My investigation will focus upon the period between the shooting incident and the presentation of Mr Rolfe for charging.
NT ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches says the four days between Kumanjayi Walker's death and Zachary Rolfe's arrest will be his focus. Source: www.icac.nt.gov.au
"In due course, I will consider whether I will hear some or all witnesses by way of a public inquiry."
Northern Territory police issued a statement saying they would "cooperate fully with the inquiry."
The ICAC investigation may pre-empt the coronial inquest into the case, due to be held in Alice Springs in September.
