Aboriginal community police officers (Acpos) are suing the Northern Territory government and the NT police force, alleging systemic discrimination, underpayment, and abuse spanning nearly three decades. The class action, lodged in the federal court in July, represents Acpos who worked in the NT between 1998 and 2025.
Shawn Lewfatt, an Acpo since 1998, is leading the class action. He claims he witnessed and was subjected to racist taunts and widespread racism, including derogatory terms used by non-Indigenous police officers. Lewfatt also alleged he was routinely given work comparable to a constable but without appropriate pay, receiving less than non-Indigenous colleagues performing similar tasks.
Gordon Legal, the firm representing the claimants, stated the suit alleges widespread racial vilification, abuse, and discrimination in the workplace. Seb O’Meara, a partner at the firm, claimed the issues were systemic and that senior police personnel failed to prevent them. The statement of claim alleges breaches of the Racial Discrimination Act.
NT police have acknowledged awareness of the legal action but stated it would be inappropriate to comment further.