Death of Palm Island man

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Sam Watson
PO Box 547
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
Total Signatures - 602
Sponsoring Member: Hon M Reynolds AM MP
Posting Date: 7/8/2007
Tabled Date: 7/8/2007
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
We are outraged that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Leanne Clare, has failed to lay any charges against the police officer responsible for the death of Palm Island man Mulrunji on November 19 2004. Less than two months previously, the Queensland Deputy Coroner, Christine Clements, found that Mulrunji was beaten by Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley, such that he sustained 4 broken ribs and his liver was sliced almost in two. The DPP’s explanation (echoing the police) that Mulrunji “fell” s a completely unacceptable lie – contradicting the coroner, expert medical advice, and witnesses. Premier Beattie and Police Minister Spence’s defence of the DPP’s decision is disgraceful. If allowed to stand, this inaction gives the green light for police to assault and kill Aboriginal people, knowing they will never be charged, even when a Coroner finds they caused another human beings death. This is a case of terrible racism and injustice. We therefore demand from the house: 1. The immediate suspension of DPP Leanne Clare, her replacement with a new, independent DPP and a judicial review into Clare’s decision not to charge Senior Sergeant Hurley. 2. That the highest-level criminal charges be brought immediately against Senior sergeant Hurley to allow a jury to determine his guilt or innocence. 3. A Royal Commission into all events surrounding the death of Mulrunji and subsequent investigations and actions, headed by Tony Fitzgerald QC. 4. Cease criminal charges and the push for custodial sentences against the Palm Islanders who understandably rose up in grief after the killing of their brother. 5. The immediate resignations of Premier Beattie and police Minister Judy Spence, for backing the brutal actions of police ahead of justice for Aboriginal people.