Calls for reform after coroner finds Aboriginal man Kumanjayi Walker’s death in custody was 'avoidable'

Kumanjayi Walker died after being shot three times during a botched arrest in 2019 (Supplied).jpg

On November 9 2019, 19-year-old Warlpiri- Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot three times during an attempted arrest by then Northern Territory police constable Zachary Rolfe. Credit: Supplied

Three years after 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by a police officer in Yuendumu, a coronial inquest has found his death was 'avoidable'. The 683-page report makes 32 key recommendations, including strengthening anti-racism strategies and reviewing police firearm policies in Aboriginal communities. Human rights advocates say it’s time for real action that includes recommendations from the 1991 Royal Commission on Aboriginal deaths in custody. In this episode, we explore the findings and community response.

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Published 10 July 2025 11:59am

Updated 10 July 2025 4:20pm

By Angelica Waite, Emma Kellaway, Rudi Maxwell

Presented by Vrishali Jain

Source: SBS

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Three years after 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by a police officer in Yuendumu, a coronial inquest has found his death was 'avoidable'. The 683-page report makes 32 key recommendations, including strengthening anti-racism strategies and reviewing police firearm policies in Aboriginal communities. Human rights advocates say it’s time for real action that includes recommendations from the 1991 Royal Commission on Aboriginal deaths in custody. In this episode, we explore the findings and community response.

Warning: This podcast contains distressing and violent content and the name and photo of an Aboriginal person who has died.

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