PALM ISLAND FINDINGS A "FARCE"
Tuesday 19 December
The Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions Leanne Clare finding that the death of Palm Island resident Mulrunji Doomagee in November 2004 while in Police custody was a "terrible accident", are a "farce" NTEU Indigenous Committee Chair Mr Terry Mason said.
The findings by the QLD DPP contradict those made by the Deputy State Coroner Christine Clements who found that Mr Doomagee suffered four broken ribs, a ruptured portal vein and severely split liver as result of being struck during what has been described as a watch-house scuffle involving the Police.
"At any level you examine this, there is clearly a massive failure of duty of care by the Police that has led to this tragedy, and this has not been recognised in any way by the DPP findings" Mr Mason stated.
"It is a disgrace that after ten years of Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and 339 recommendations, our people are still dying in Police lockups in 2004"…Mr Mason said.
"The NTEU would like to offer support to the Palm Island Community in this time of sadness and urge as many people as possible to participate in the rallies organised to protest this outrage".
There will be a rally at 12:00pm in Queens Park, cnr George & Elizabeth St, Brisbane and also at 12:00pm at Queensland Travel Centre, 405 Bourke Street Melbourne.
We also urge as many people as possible to write to Premier Beattie expressing their concern about proper justice for the Palm Island people and the family of Mr Doomagee.
The inconsistency of the DPP and State Coroner findings we believe warrant further independent investigation and we call on the QLD State Government to establish such an inquiry Mr Mason said.
For more information contact:
Mr Terry Mason
Chair
NTEU Indigenous Tertiary Education Policy Committee - 02 9772 6194