NT Police Racism Allegations: Minister Under Fire for Offensive Facebook Posts
Just a week following the initiation of a review by Northern Territory police to investigate the prevalence of racism within its ranks, the minister overseeing the department found himself embroiled in controversy due to inflammatory Facebook content.
Brent Potter is currently holding onto his position as the head of the police department despite revelations that he shared Facebook posts between 2013 and 2019 containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic remarks.
This scandal erupted amidst an ongoing discourse surrounding discrimination in the NT, prompting inquiries into whether Mr. Potter is being held to different standards of accountability.
The offensive posts resurfaced shortly after Chief Minister Eva Lawler expressed her dismay at the prevalent racism in the territory, stating that she had witnessed numerous instances of “abhorrent” racism.
In an interview with ABC Radio Darwin, Ms. Lawler specifically condemned individuals who propagate racist and discriminatory content on social media, denouncing them as “cowards”.
Ironically, it was revealed that one of these individuals was none other than her own police minister, albeit a decade ago.
Controversy Surrounding Mr. Potter’s Social Media Posts
Mr. Potter’s online activity has sparked controversy, with one particular post quoting a Nazi general and another post endorsing a video aimed at undermining the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ms. Lawler did not mince words, referring to the minister as “an idiot” for his remarks, although she expressed a desire for him to retain his position.
The timing of these events could not have been more unfortunate, especially considering recent statements by Police Commissioner Michael Murphy regarding his firsthand experiences with racism within the police force.
Amidst allegations of racism within the NT Police, an internal review has been initiated, overseen by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, in response to the
NT Police racism allegations
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NT Police racism allegations: Minister’s Transformation
During a recent press briefing, the police minister defended himself against the NT Police racism allegations.
He highlighted that his marital status and fatherhood have played a significant role in altering his viewpoints.
This explanation triggered a series of inquiries from journalists regarding the necessity of having a family to cultivate empathy, reminiscent of Scott Morrison’s well-known 2021 statement regarding his conversation with his wife.
NT Police racism allegations
Police Commissioner Michael Murphy and Mr. Potter addressed accusations of racism within the police force recently. Mr. Potter defended himself by pointing out that he was in his 20s when he made those posts, attributing them to his mindset at the time when he was single and serving in the defense forces, having just returned from Afghanistan. He emphasized that he enjoys the support of his colleagues and the community, who believe in the potential for personal growth and change.
Interestingly, Mr. Potter disclosed that Territory Labor and former chief minister Natasha Fyles were aware of his social media history before he was selected and subsequently won the Fannie Bay seat in 2022. While he did remove the controversial posts from his Facebook profile back then, screenshots had already been taken.
Addressing Allegations of Racism within the NT Police Force
Amid the NT Police racism allegations, Mr. Potter faces mounting pressure despite his insistence on retaining his position.
The recent events have prompted the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to emphasize the importance of refraining from sharing content that could inadvertently glorify the Nazi regime.
Expressing his concerns, Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling highlighted the need to differentiate between Mr. Potter’s personal views and the values of the broader ADF community.
NT Police Association Criticizes Response to Racism Allegations
NT politicians have reported concerns from the large veteran community regarding Mr. Potter’s explanation, according to ABC News by Peter Garnish.
In contrast, the NT Police Association, whose members are under scrutiny in the racism review, expressed stronger disapproval.
President Nathan Finn stated, “There is no justification for racism, yet Mr. Potter seems to face a different level of accountability.”
Finn continued, “While our members have been held accountable and publicly apologized for their actions, Mr. Potter, as a government minister, should be held to a higher standard.”
The decision to retain Mr. Potter in his ministerial role while his portfolio is investigated for racism has raised questions about double standards within the government.
Posted 20 hours ago on Fri 8 Mar 2024 at 10:45 pm. Share this article on Facebook.
