I support the practical piecewise reform proposed in the wake of the tragic events surrounding a police shooting in Yuendumu.

No more guns.

Of course this isn't about completely disarming the force. I recall that in 2019 a member of a whites-only motorcycle gang went on a murderous rampage. He was arrested without being shot, but I know many of us were glad the responding officers had guns.

But rare extreme incidents do not justify the routine carrying of sidearms - including by school based constables! I see no reason why we can't join the ranks of similar nations like England, Ireland and New Zealand, where police do not carry deadly weapons as a routine matter of course.

I welcome the fact that, through their grief, the victim's family and community have offered this clear and sensible proposal for relevant policy reform.

And as we approach the coronial inquiry, I hope it can answer the question of; just how many current police have previously served in this century's wars.