Commissioner says Kumanjayi Little Baby case will 'stay with you forever'

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole has described the investigation into the alleged murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby as profoundly impactful, stating it is "one of the most difficult investigations" officers have ever undertaken. Speaking at the NT Police Association conference in Darwin, Dole reflected on a particularly challenging year for the force.

The past eight months have been exceptionally demanding, encompassing devastating floods across the Top End, unrest in remote communities, and several horrific highway fatalities, including a crash that claimed five lives recently. Dole specifically highlighted the "incredibly difficult circumstances" surrounding the tragic death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs in April. The aftermath of the alleged offender's apprehension saw violent riots erupt, adding another layer of complexity and distress for the officers involved.

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I want to acknowledge one of the most difficult investigations some of our officers have ever experienced with the search for Kumanjayi Little Baby, the apprehension of the [alleged] offender … and then the fallout after that apprehension.

"There are moments in policing that stay with you forever and that was one of them for many of our people," Dole stated, acknowledging the extraordinary professionalism, compassion, and resilience shown by officers, investigators, specialist units, and partner agencies. The investigation and its fallout have left a lasting impression on many within the force.

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There are moments in policing that stay with you forever and that was one of them for many of our people.

Wellbeing and retention were central themes at the conference. NTPA president Nathan Finn identified remote policing as a significant challenge, emphasizing the need for government support beyond just pay increases. "If government expects experienced police officers to move their families, commit to remote communities and remain there … it must provide safe housing, adequate staffing, reliable infrastructure and incentives that recognise the genuine demands of remote service in the NT," Finn urged.

Finn referenced recent incidents, such as an alleged attack on police in the remote community of Wadeye by a large group armed with various weapons, underscoring the dangers faced by officers in remote areas. While acknowledging progress on the latest industrial agreement, he stressed that pay rises alone are insufficient to combat attrition, noting vacancy rates as high as 60 percent in some remote areas. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reported a drop in the overall attrition rate from 10.7 percent in 2022 to 7.1 percent in 2026, but conceded that "more work needed to be done" to make the Northern Territory a place where experienced officers see a long-term career worth staying for.

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If government expects experienced police officers to move their families, commit to remote communities and remain there … it must provide safe housing, adequate staffing, reliable infrastructure and incentives that recognise the genuine demands of remote service in the NT.