2 October 2025
The Northern Territory Government has received and released the report by the Hon Alan Michael Blow AO into senior police recruitment processes.
The Hon. Alan Michael Blow AO was appointed as an Acting Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court in January 2025. Previously, Acting Justice Blow was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania and has also been the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania.
Acting Justice Blow has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and his contribution to legal education and professional standards, and to the community.
The Blow Inquiry, which commenced in March 2025 followed calls for a review into senior police recruitment from the NT Police Association as part of the fallout from the ICAC Operation Apollo's investigation.
Whilst the inquiry found there is a need to improve the recruitment processes undertaken for senior police positions and made six recommendations on how to do this moving forward, it also found each of the 28 appointees had sufficient qualifications and experience to make them appointable to the relevant rank.
Acting Police Minister Gerard Maley said the government would now consider the Blow Report and its recommendations.
"I extend my sincere thanks to Justice Blow for his thorough and comprehensive work delivering this important review.
"The CLP Government acknowledges the dedication of the NT Police, who serve our community with courage and commitment every day and we will take this forward as we continue to back our cops" Mr Maley said.
The report will be tabled in Parliament in October and is now publicly available in full online. here
