Central Land Council chair Warren Williams has welcomed the appointment of the Northern Territory’s first Alice Springs-based Police Commissioner, Martin Dole.
Mr Williams said he hopes the commissioner would use his policing knowledge from working in Yuendumu, Ti Tree and Alice Springs when building trust and confidence in the NT police.
He said he knew Mr Dole’s family in Yuendumu. “His father, a kind-hearted man, ran the local shop.”
“Martin Dole knows the issues and the people.”
Mr Williams believes Commissioner Dole’s connection with Aboriginal communities shaped his approach to community policing and engagement.
“During his seven months acting in the police commissioner role he has been respectful to our elected council members.
“He understands our region and as the regional controller for southern and northern emergency management he oversaw the response to the devastating Barkly fires in 2023.
“We stand ready to work together with Commissioner Dole on rebuilding community trust in the police force.”