‘Demoralised and dehumanised’: Aboriginal police officers launch class action over ‘decades’ of alleged racism

Filed by Gordon Legal, the officers allege they were subjected to “systemic racial discrimination and racial vilification” during their service with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF), with the abuse spanning “decades”.

At the heart of the proceeding are allegations concerning the treatment, workplace conditions and remuneration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander officers.

The applicants allege that Aboriginal community police officers were regularly required to perform duties comparable to those of constables, despite receiving “significantly lower remuneration and fewer workplace entitlements”.

The proceeding also alleges that officers were subjected to persistent racist conduct and denied equal opportunities for career advancement while serving communities across the Northern Territory.

One of the lead applicants, Shawn Lewfatt, has served with the Northern Territory Police Force as an Aboriginal and community police officer since 1998.

Reflecting on his nearly three decades with the force, Lewfatt said he entered policing determined to make a difference in his community, but alleged that his experiences of racial discrimination and vilification left him “completely demoralised and dehumanised”.

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“When I started my career with NT Police, I was a proud Aboriginal man who thought I could make a difference working with my community as a valued member of NT Police,” Lewfatt said.

“Instead, the racial discrimination and vilification I have experienced while working with NT Police has left me feeling completely demoralised and dehumanised.”

Through the class action, Lewfatt said other Aboriginal officers would have an opportunity to come forward, stand together and share their experiences of working within the Northern Territory Police Force.

“This class action gives my fellow brothers and sisters the opportunity to stand together, side by side and in unity, to share our lived experiences within NT Police,” Lewfatt said.

Gordon Legal partner Seb O’Meara said the proceeding centres on allegations of almost three decades of racist abuse and unequal employment conditions, with the firm’s clients now seeking to have their concerns heard and considered by the court.

“The allegations in this proceeding are deeply concerning. They concern almost three decades of unchecked racist abuse and unequal terms and conditions of employment,” O’Meara said.

“Our clients allege they were underpaid, provided fewer opportunities for career advancement and subjected to persistent racist conduct while serving communities across the Northern Territory.

“While our clients take no joy in being involved in this proceeding, they feel very strongly that it is important that their concerns are considered in court. Gordon Legal shares that view.”

The Federal Court proceeding follows a representative complaint lodged by the lead applicants with the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2024.

The complaint was terminated by the commission in May 2026, with the applicants now pursuing their allegations through the class action.

For O’Meara, the proceeding is ultimately about securing equal treatment for Aboriginal officers who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities, while seeking accountability for the treatment they allege they experienced.

“No one should be disadvantaged or targeted because of their race,” O’Meara said.

“Our clients have dedicated themselves to serving their communities, and they deserve the same level of respect and treatment as every other member of the Northern Territory Police Force.”

“By bringing this class action, they are seeking accountability and meaningful change.”