[Greens-Media] Qld Greens Media Release: DPP must bring prosecution against Sgt Hurley after Palm Island inquest

[Qld Greens Media]

*Qld Greens Media Release*


*DPP must bring prosecution against Sgt Hurley after Palm Island inquest*

Today’s findings by the Acting State Coroner, Chris Clements, into the 
death of Mulrunji on Palm Island now put the ball firmly in the court of 
the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The DPP will need to act following Mr Clements’ findings that Mulrunji’s 
death in the Palm Island watch house was consistent with blows to his 
body by Sgt Hurley. This is despite the fact the coroner is unable, by 
law, to make such a recommendation.
Queensland Greens spokesperson on Indigenous issues, Drew Hutton, asked 
how many Murris needed to die before a policeman was brought to justice 
following a death in custody.
“Given the number of times Aboriginal communities have had their young 
men killed in police stations with no repercussions for those who caused 
these deaths, it is hardly surprising they should burn down one of these 
stations,” Mr Hutton said.
“The Coroner made it clear Mulrunji should not have been arrested in the 
first place, that there was not the skill, resources or inclination to 
provide him with first aid in the watch house and that the Police 
initially tried to cover it up.
“People should also remember that this tragedy affected more than 
Mulrunji. His mother died of a broken heart soon after him and his son 
committed suicide. The Palm Island community is also still trying to 
come to terms with his death.”
The Greens are also calling for the State Government to take full 
account of the Coroner’s other findings with regard to implementing the 
recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in 
Custody, the need for proper cultural awareness training for police sent 
to Indigenous communities, for changes to the Police Operating Manual 
and for diversionary centres.
Mr Hutton also noted the Coroner’s report on the Police inquiry of the 
incident was scathing and revealed great weaknesses in the procedures 
and leadership of Queensland Police.

/_Contact_: Drew Hutton 38462409 0428 487 110/


-- 
www.qld.greens.org.au

State election Spokesperson. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110

Queensland Greens media spokespeople.

Climate Change and Indigenous. Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Human Rights and Environment. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110
Transport and Planning. Greg George 0424 725 719

Queensland Greens campaign coordinator.
Ian Gittus 0422 542 370

Office 3846 0862
fax 3844 4654

www.qld.greens.org.au