what happened to cameron doomadgee

I am comfortably satisfied QPS officers would not have taken a similar approach, in any of the respects I have outlined above, if a tragedy such as this had occurred in an isolated non-Aboriginal community in Queensland. Learn how to plan a screening for the film The Tall Man, produced by Blackfella Films, the story of Palm Island, the tropical paradise where one morning Cameron Doomadgee swore at a policeman and . The judge in the case, Justice Debbie Mortimer, upheld a number of the applicants claims regarding contraventions of section 9(1), but not all of them. There was much debate over the appropriateness of the police and government response to the riot. The letter stated that the branch was active in organising protests against the Premier and his upcoming opening of a new Queensland Police Youth Club facility on Palm Island. Palm Islanders riot. Mulrunji was affected by alcohol and struggled with Hurley, leading to a fall near the door to the police station. Large group of Palm Islanders and police turns up to watch. [10], An autopsy report by Coroner Michael Barnes was produced for the family one week after the death. Lawyers for Chris Hurley appeal to Queensland's District Court to overturn Deputy Coroner Christine Clement's 26 September 2006 findings that he had fatally injured Mulurunji. Family of Palm Island man who died in police custody relieved memorial has new home. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. [13] He had spent the morning investigating complaints by sisters Gladys, Andrea and Anna Nugent that Roy Bramwell had assaulted them. The Attorney-General of Queensland, Kerry Shine, indicted an Australian police officer for a criminal trial for the first time since the public prosecutor 's office was established. Island residents marched from the town square and burnt down the police station, court house and police houses. For further information, refer to Office of the State Coroner, Finding of Inquest: Inquest into the Death of Cameron Doomadgee, Townsville, COR 2857/04 (9), 27 September 2006; Office of the State Coroner, Finding of Inquest: Inquest into the Death of Cameron Doomadgee, Townsville, COR COR 2857/04(9), 14 May 2010. He found that the injuries could have been caused by Hurley accidentally falling on top of Mulrunji, or by the officer "dropping a knee into his torso". ), Mulrunjis autopsy showed that he died of major internal injuries. Cameron's brother Lloyd Doomadgee. Cameron Doomadgee was picked up and arrested on November 19, 2004 for allegedly causing a public nuisance. 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"[91], Some months after the riot the 24-member Labor Party (ALP) branch on Palm Island publicly revolted against Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, writing a letter to him through local State Member Mike Reynolds outlining grievances against the State Government Labor Party administration. Police began taking statements from witnesses. He was arrested by Senior Sargent Chris Hurley, accompanied by the Indigenous liaison police officer Lloyd Bengaroo, and was taken into custody. In 2008 journalist and novelist Chloe Hooper, published the book The Tall Man: Death and Life on Palm Island, which won multiple awards in 2009. It was reasoned that if they stayed in a different community in Townsville there was a low likelihood of re-offending. While Gladys retrieved her medication, Patrick Bramwell was outside. During the directions hearing the Doomadgee family requested that the deceased be referred to by his tribal name "Mulrunji" in line with Aboriginal custom, which was not opposed. [71], In 2010, artist Vernon Ah Kee created a four-screen video installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, entitled Tall Man. Wotton initially pleaded guilty to the charge of rioting, and was found guilty at trial. A timeline of events flowing from the death in custody of Palm Island man Cameron Doomadgee: 2004. "I think it did strain the relationship between Indigenous Queenslanders and the State Government for a considerable period of time - and it may well have done that permanently," he said. They advised that "The Commission has determined that the evidence would not be capable of proving before any disciplinary tribunal that Senior Sergeant Hurley was responsible for Mulrunji's death". He appeared intoxicated and was swearing at the police. One of the sisters needed to be airlifted to Townsville Hospital due to her condition as a result of Bramwell's assault. In May, a third coronial inquest delivered an open finding but was highly critical of the police involvement in the case. A number of others involved in the riot also faced criminal proceedings. [3][4][2], In 2010, Hurley was forced to repay $34,980 in insurance payments after allegations of insurance fraud following the 2004 riot.[75]. [50], The Court noted that because Bramwell did not have a clear view of the incident, the Coroner concluded that the punches described by Bramwell hit the abdomen or torso of the deceased rather than the head, and this caused the death. Yanner and Foster refused to cooperate with the investigation. They would have pulled everything off. The coroners preliminary report found that Mulrunji died after falling over a step. 26 November 2004 Doomadgee's autopsy results indicate that he died from internal injuries, with the island's pathologist claiming they are the result of "a fall". [11][16], A crowd headed initially for the police station. [33], The Coroner subsequently disqualified himself, and Deputy State Coroner Christine Clements flew to Townsville and took over. Gladys requested that Hurley accompany her so that she could safely get medication from Bramwell's house. The government report described Doomadgee as the 'worst example of the ills of the dormitory system', and referred to Doomadgee girls as being 'most severely restrained': Queensland State Archives, file 1D/133, memo dated 19.6.1950 from the Deputy Director of Native Affairs regarding Doomadgee Mission; see also Queensland, Annual Report of the [46], In September 2008, Hurley's lawyers appealed Coroner Clements' findings (September 2006) that he had killed Mulrunji with three fatal punches. Mr Wotton was later convicted of inciting a riot and served 19 months in jail before being released on parole, which he only completed earlier this year. The police who had been stationed on the island indicated through the Union that they did not wish to return. It was decided by Coroner Michael Barnes that the inquiry would take place on the island so that the people of Palm Island would have the opportunity to observe the process; however medical evidence and evidence given by police officers was to be taken in open court in Townsville due to logistical issues and safety concerns of the police. . It detailed 65 recommendations which seek to reduce violence and overcrowding, and improve standards of education and health. She found that the following conduct of QPS officers contravened s 9(1) of the RDA: In the summary of her judgment, Justice Mortimer stated: I have found that police acted in these ways because they were dealing with an Aboriginal community, and with the community of Palm Island in particular. The autopsy report was medical and did not state what caused his death. Almost 10 years ago Cameron Doomadgee died in police custody on Palm Island. (Federal Court of Australia, Wotton v State of Queensland (No 5) [2016] FCA 1457: Summary (Mortimer J, Dec. 5, 2016), Federal Court of Australia website. Patrick Bramwell, a cell-mate of Mulrunji, repeatedly attempted to set himself on fire after giving evidence before the first coronial inquest. Queensland Police Union President Denis Fitzpatrick demanded the rioters be charged with attempted murder of 12 police. "The mischief lies in what was an abandonment of the truth to avoid the possibility of short-term political embarrassment. (Summary,supra.). [18] 45 minutes later Cameron Doomadgee is dead, his liver cleaved in two as you might see after a fatal car crash. U.S. Reports: Wright v. Georgia, 373 U.S. 284 (1963). [9], This was the 147th death of an Aboriginal person in custody since the handing down of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. (Wotton v State of Queensland (No 5) [2016] FCA 1457, Federal Court of Australia website.) Additionally the Palm Island Council moved a resolution asking that the Centre not be opened until its use and occupancy could be agreed upon between the State and Local Governments. Doomadgee funeral, Palm Island elders call for justice rather than division. Chris Hurley points out lack of alcohol diversionary program on Palm Island meaning that the only option for drunk and disorderly Palm Islanders is to take them to the watchhouse. On 19 November 2004 he was found dead in a cell in the police station on Palm Island. [12][25] The history wars famously involved the 'black armband view of history'; a pejorative phrase used by conservatives to attack historians who they thought focussed too much on the negative impact of colonisation on Australia's indigenous More about Copyright and other Restrictions. Cameron Doomadgee's sisters says their brother's death was the first of several family tragedies and they are yet to come to terms with what they see as a terrible injustice. [65], The Police Union were apparently incensed that a police officer should be the first person in Queensland since the public prosecutor's office was established to be indicted based on a decision of someone other than the DPP and argued that it amounted to political interference in the Justice System. The Council boycotted the ceremony and only thirty people attended the ceremony, half of whom were holding placards demanding more money be spent on employment and health services. According to Yanner and Foster, Minister Clark's Senior Policy Advisor had asked them to fabricate a story for the public that they had agreed to reimburse the cost of the flights, while assuring them they would not have to pay. He was taken into custody by Senior Sargeant Chris Hurley, accompanied by . a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate. The Court did not accept that inevitably follows and pointed out that Bramwell's evidence could be said not to "leave room for such an occurrence". Second inquiry begins with Deputy Coroner Christine Clements as Acting Coroner. Police Commissioner Ian Stewart admitted mistakes were made with the way the QPS handled the death in custody. Documentary film director Tony Krawitz opined in an interview that "something really violent happened" and shortly after stated "It wasn't treated as a murder investigation which is what was meant to have happened. "It was an extraordinarily difficult circumstance," Mr Beattie told the ABC. [62] As a result he was charged with contempt of court by the Attorney General. [8], The arresting officer, Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley, and the Indigenous police liaison officer, Lloyd Bengaroo, were flown off the island the following Monday, after receiving death threats and Hurley's house being burned down. Forty minutes later, Cameron was found dead in his cell. The applicants also claimed that the QPS had contravened the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (Federal Register of Legislation website)in its handling of the investigation of the death in custody. I have found they conducted themselves, including Senior Sergeant Hurley while he was there, with a sense of impunity, impervious to the reactions and perceptions of Palm Islanders who were, in large numbers, distressed and agitated about the death of Mulrunji. [21], Numerous police officers were flown into Palm Island following the riot. Mr Stewart said several measures had been put in place to repair the damaged relationships. [41], The review resulted in the overturning of the DPP's decision, with Street finding there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Hurley with manslaughter. The applicants lawyer, who took the case on a pro bono basis, stated following the ruling: Its the first time an entire community has been represented in a class action against a state of Australia alleging racial discrimination and being vindicated in that cause. [31], Barnes had previously been the Aboriginal Legal Aid solicitor for two families before the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Snr Sgt Hurley breaks silence, testifying in his own defence. [11] Ms Aplin said it hurt her that deaths in police custody were still occurring. Here's what they think of a Voice to Parliament, Nationals join forces with farmers to oppose multi-billion-dollar Victoria-NSW renewable energy project, Prime minister says urgent care clinics will start relieving pressure on NT's busy emergency wards in coming months. [59] [8], The Doomadgee family later stated that the Queensland Government's response had not been to provide counselling for the family but to send in 18 extra police from Townsville who "strut around this community, looking intimidating". [92], The adverse finding was based on a media statement to The Australian which made the positive statement; "we agreed to assist with the airline bookings on the understanding that they would pick up the cost" when it was known at the time by the Minister that the possibility of the airfares being repaid was only mooted after the tickets had been booked. Largely supporting this conclusion was that Hurley had considered it necessary to raise similar concerns only a year prior to Mulrunji's death to the Federal Parliamentary Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. The main suspect was Senior Sergeant Christopher Hurley, a charismatic cop with long . [43], In June 2007 the Townsville-based trial of Chris Hurley on charges of assault and manslaughter took place. "There'll always be distrust, regardless of what police authority is in town. 13.05 MB. "I think that's something at the end of the day that we have to live with.". Yanner said that Hurley was no racist, that he was loved by the Indigenous communities he had previously worked in, and that he identified with Hurley in that "he was a thug and a mug. Forty minutes later he was dead in the jailhouse. You see terrible things happening to people without any remedies and theres so much disillusionment in the Indigenous community because they just dont get a fair go under our legal system. Conditions were imposed such as not being allowed to return to Palm Island, not even for the funeral of Mulrunji. Fellow Palm Islander Patrick Bramwell was placed in the adjoining cell. Residents accused Senior Sergeant Hurley of murder, but he was acquitted of manslaughter in 2007 by an all-white jury. Residents report officers pointing guns at children's heads and being tasered. November 19: Cameron Doomadgee, 36, dies in custody at Palm Island police station after being . [8], For the following week public meetings were held on the Island due to anger rising in the community about the death. [58], Sen. Sgt. When alerted to this, Hurley came into the cell and thought he could detect a pulse. The monument, a memorial to Cameron Mulrunji Doomadgee, has been moved to his sister Valmai Aplin's front yard on Palm Island, off Townsville. Hurley was 201cm tall and weighed 115 kilograms. The racial aspects of the story are alarming, so too is the idea that police can act with impunity. The police claimed he'd tripped on a step, but his liver was ruptured. [27] His comment was criticized as hypocritical and systematic of "one rule for us and one for whites and that's a racist legal system where the cops get their way" by Burketown [95], By April 2007 it was reported that the PCYC Centre had become a great success, a place where young and old participate in numerous sporting, educational and cultural activities in a safe and comfortable environment, and the focal point of re-building positive relations between the police and the community.[96]. "I'd like to see it being a nice little, nice prosperous town, a lot of employment in the town, investment in the town. Section 9(1) of the Act states that, [i]t is unlawful for a person to do any act involving a distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of any human right or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. Mr Wotton said many people still lacked trust in the police, but he acknowledged the effort was being made. a knee drop. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. [71], Within a month of Doomadgee's death, Hurley was transferred to the Gold Coast[2] where he medically retired in 2017, following a string of charges including assault and dangerous driving. Aboriginal activist Murrandoo Yanner and relative of the Doomadgee family was at the centre of controversy over his calls for Aboriginal people to bash all "racist cops" and for all police stations to be burnt. Soon after the riot, the Queensland Police Union President Denis Fitzpatrick demanded the rioters be charged with attempted murder of 12 police. (Id.) [61], When Coroner Barnes disqualified himself from the inquiry the QPU called for him to be sacked immediately from the position of state coroner for the indiscretion of drinking with one of the lawyers during the inquest. Mulrunji was found dead in his cell hours after. On November 19th 2004, Cameron Doomadgee, also known as Mulrunji, was arrested for allegedly causing a public nuisance. Main points from media reports after interviews with residents and relatives stated: Hurley is a white Australian who was also aged 36 at the time of the incident. [23], An emergency situation was declared under the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 (the Act) on the afternoon of the riot. [39] Included in the allegations made against Hurley was that he wrongfully caused the death of Mulrunji. In achieving these objectives, issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and unemployment would also be addressed.[56]. Two young men commit suicide as a direct result of Doomadgee's death.

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