Mulrunji
“Yet clever than pictures them show off
making fun of old Boonah
sitting outside waiting for
dreaming to come to reality”
from “Remember Something Like This“
by Lionel Fogarty
[old Boonah = peace-maker]
See Lionel Fogarty, Minyung Woolah Binnung — What Saying Says. Southport, QLD: Keeaira Press, 2004. http://www.kpress.com.au/
Please find below a letter to the Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, during the Mulrunji Campaign.
Mulrunji Doomadgee was a Palm Island man killed by police in November 2004. The campaign for justice that ensued reached its peak on Invasion Day, 26 January 2007, when the Qld government recommended that Queensland police officer, Snr Sgt Chris Hurley should go to trial on the manslaughter of Mulrunji.
It is now, one year later, Invasion Day 2008
Beattie is gone, replaced by Bligh.
The police union is out there trying to get the findings of the coroner, quoted in the letter below, revoked.
The man who killed Mulrunji, Sgt Chris Hurley, was acquitted of manslaughter in Townsville last year, even though he admitted in the witness stand to being the cause of Mulrunji’s death by ‘falling’ on him.
Here is the letter sent prior to Invasion Day 2007.
Ian Curr
26 January 2008
*****************
PO Box 5093 West End 4101
Your Ref: MCU
Peter Beattie MP
Premier and Minister for Trade Queensland Government
Dear sir,
We refer to your proforma letter dated 31 October 2006 in reply to the petition of 1160 people delivered to you by Alec Doomadgee in the company of 150 other petitioners at the gates of parliament on 10 October 2006. The thrust of the petition was that you instruct the Police Commissioner to terminate the employment of Senior Sergeant Hurley on the basis that he killed Mulrunji Doomadgee in the police watch house on Palm Island on 19 November 2004 as indicated by the acting coroner in her judgment dated 3 October 2006. We note that you have taken no such action. Many of us were in attendance when you stated the following at the gates of parliament:
“Many people said at the beginning (when Mulrunji died) that there would not be due process…I said at the time that the coroner would go through due process and the matter would be followed appropriately and that’s what has happened.”
Please indicate to us why the following actions (of due process) have not yet been taken?
- Why Snr. Sgt. Hurley was not charged from the outset by the internal police prosecutions unit?
- Alternatively, why the DPP has not charged him long before this? Why the police commissioner has failed to stand Snr Sgt Hurley down from day one in the same way as any Qld public servant would have been stood down (given the serious allegations made when Mulrunji was killed by Snr Sgt Hurley)?
- Why those people who rioted on Palm Island have been charged and some already punished, while no action has been taken against the police who witnessed Mulrunji crying out for help from the cell after being fatally injured, with no help being given.
- Why no effort has been made to discover what motivated the police in attendance for their conduct as they saw images from the cell video of Mulrunji, writhing in pain as he lay dying on the cell floor (p26 of her “Finding of Inquest”)?
- Why Snr Sgt Hurley has not been charged with perjury for the lies he used to accommodate the medical evidence in the second autopsy (p22 of her “Finding of Inquest”)?
- Why both your government and previous Labour governments have not implemented the detailed recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 (p28 of her “Findings of inquest)?
This list of ‘due process’ as you called it (or more correctly the failure of due process) on 10 October 2006 at the gates of parliament is not exhaustive in these matters.
We note that in reply to our petition you state:
“A high level response team is currently undertaking an urgent assessment of the recommendations of the Acting State Coroner’s report in this tragic death.”
- Why does this statement in your letter still fail to acknowledge that Mulrunji was killed and that the finding of inquest was that Senior Sergeant Hurley’s changed recollection and reconstruction of where he (Mulrunji) had fallen occurred after he knew exactly what injury had caused Mulrunji’s death (i.e. the three punches delivered by Snr Sgt Hurley)[p26 Finding of Inquest].
- Why have Snr Sgt Hurley’s colleagues from the Townsville CIB not been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in their collusion with said Snr Sgt to cover up his crimes? (pp 9, 10, 12, 16, and finding 28 at p31 of Finding of Inquest).
- Why you have not issued an apology to members of the Palm Island community for your precipitate and unreasonable actions in sending the riot squad into that community to harass them when it has proven that their concerns about the attempted cover up of the killing of Mulrunji proved justified.
Please indicate when the assessment of the high level response team will be complete and when we may see a reply to the questions listed above?
Yours faithfully, Name and email address to be placed in the space provided below.
Footnotes: The riot only occurred because the people of Palm Island knew that a murder had occurred and that it was going to be covered up while the rest of Queensland was being spoon fed by senior police through the media details of:
1) What a great bloke Hurley is and how he loved aborigines.
2) The terrible ordeal police were put through during the riot
3) The character assassination of Roy Bramwell (the witness to Hurley punching Murrinyi).
This is an open letter to the Premier of Queensland that came out of Community Meetings at Jagera Hall, South Brisbane, chaired by Sam Watson.
If you agree with the sentiments in this letter could you please place your name in the comments section provided below.
It is a collective letter to voice our concerns about the failure of the Qld government to act on the petition handed to the Premier on 10 October 2006.
Your email address will be recorded and any reply from the Premier’s office will be forwarded to you.
I fully support the above letter - it’s time to see the human rights of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people being taken seriously in Australia
I would like to add my support to this letter and the sentiments therein. Human rights for ALL Australians (not just white ones).
I endorse this letter.
I endorse this letter
I too endorse this letter
another govenment lie
we will follow due process?
why is it such a fight 2 get the govenment 2 do the right thing when a ‘black man’ is involved.
Please add my name to letter, I fully endorse it.
I endorse this letter.
Now is the time when the government should show courage and leadership in the interests of justice and honourable principles.
I endorse this letter.
Are we going to have a state government that embodies truth, justice and honesty or hypocrisy, lies and bigotry?
I am an Australian Muslim and I would like to say that when we invited the Police Minister for “Iftar” the month of Ramadan this was the only topic in my mind.
I thanked her for her leadership as well as the police commissioner and I said:
“People from different affiliation are keeping an eye on the Premiere Peter Beattie’s handling of the Palm Island death in custody issue”
“This is a test for Beattie’s accountability as he should put on practice what he talks about.
No-one is above the law.
Justice is not partial and will never be.
We should put criminals where they belong even if they are in Government or Government agents.”
I really feel that your government’s failure to deal with this matter smacks of racism as aboriginal people are gaoled instantly while this matter has been allowed to drag on and on.
I fully support this letter too
I fully endorse this letter. Please add my name:
Ray Bergmann, 3/74 Eton Street, Nundah 4012.
rayberau@yahoo.com
The Beattie government have not acted in good faith and in a legally straightforward manner. They have given all the wrong messages on the killing of this indigenous man at Palm Island. Had the crime been committed by anyone other than a police officer, the killer would have immediately faced a charge of murder.
The Beattie government give the appearance of hastening slowly whilst looking for a way out of the mess. The message to indigenous people is that the lives of their people are less valued than those of other members of the community.
This, together with the stalling and obfuscation over the stolen wages, gives us all the undeniable impression that Joh Bjelke Petersen is alive and well within the Beattie government. It is time for progressive policies, not the morally bankrupt racism of the past.
I am angry and sad.
Regards
Willy Bach
It is a disgrace that Hurley has not yet been charged. Nor have not forgotten the riot police and state of emergency that Beattie inflicted on Palm Island in the wake of Mulrinji’s murder.
Justice demands that the Beattie government as well as Hurley be held accountable.
Thanks to the following people who signed the letter at the rally (18 November 2006) on the 2nd anniversary of Mulrunji’s death:
Dear Premier,
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Please ensure that the DPP is considering the decision about laying charges over the death of Murunji as a matter of the utmost urgency.
Please also ensure that that the Police Commissoner is taking action in Townsville Region so that any Critical Incidents are properly investigated and followed up. This was conspicuously NOT done in several matters put before the Coroner on Palm during the Inquest.
What has happened to the comprehensive and useful Stuart McDougall report, commissioned by your government. How is the suggested different approach to a more consultative rather than dictatorial approach being implemented.
We support this letter. Please act quickly on the matters raised.
Hopefully,
I fully endorse this letter. People around the world are concerned at the lack of empathy, let alone justice, that has been afforded the Palm community by the Beattie Government. The events since November 2004 have disillusioned many Labour voters as what we have witnessed has been so heartless, so lacking in transparency or accountability and so devoid of any sense that Palm Islanders are citizens too. Hurley must be charged, the community must be recompensed and negotiations held to ensure community empowerment (including the provision of resources) to address the fourth world conditions in which people on Palm continue to live.
I fully support this meesage
Kindness and goodwill and justice for all !!
I am appalled that the Queensland Government that says it will stand up for justice - will not do the right thing I fully endorse this letter
I fully endorse this letter and demand justice as promised.
In 1956 Michael Jorgensen was taken into police custody in Mt Isa. ‘Jorgie’, as he was known, was put in the cell for public drunkenness. He was beaten so badly by the arresting officer that night that he died from his injuries, ruptured spleen etc. There was an inquiry into the policeman’s actions, the first ever coronial inquiry in Qld, and no action was deemed necessary. Fifty years on and Queensland policemen are still getting away with murder.
I endorse this letter
I endorse this letter
The lack of transperency, accountability and honesty about Mulrunji’s death reveal a shocking revelation that equality, democracy and justice are yet to prevail in the hands of current authorities and systems in this state. Ammendments and reparations are due!
This letter raises matters of justice which should not be delayed nor denied.
The rule of law is only upheld when it applies equally to all, of any race, background, or occupation.
Premier Beattie, with this letter we remind you of matters you should not have forgotten and urge you, as our representative to bring justice to the people of Palm Island over the death of Mulrunji.
On behalf of Socialist Alliance we not only endorse the letter, but pledge to continue to throw our efforts into the campaign for justice for Mulrinji and for all those who have lost loved ones in custody.
The police must be brought to justice, but also the disgusting politicians, on both ’sides’ who rush to the defence of murdering police, while scapegoating Aboriginal people and others.
It seems we can’t expect any more than gutter racism from ALP governments such as Peter Beattie’s, who don’t hesitate to send in SWAT teams when the aggreived Palm Island community demand justice; a government that axes the stand-alone Indigenous ministry in one of its first actions on being re-elected.
Disgusting, but the brave Murri community fights on, and we will fight with them in every way we can.
I endorse this letter
I endorse this letter.
I have been following the DPP’s decision, and reaction to it, on my blog.
I endorse this letter.
I endorse this letter - justice for EVERYONE!
JUSTICE and Nothing less!
The World is watching… please add my name to this list,
but let’s not forget - in the heat of the moment - the Stolen Wages
campaign. Chris Hurley, if you are reading this, you could diffuse the situation by coming forward and telling the Truth.
I endorse this letter.
I strongly endorse this letter
Although everyone would have different opinions; the Premier’s statement yesterday re: treating all indigenous deaths in custody as suspicious and being dealt with by the CMC immediately seems to be a smoke screen to me. The route he is taking has very little focus on prevention and I believe will do very little to combat the control dynamic and sense of entitlement that underpins these horrendous injustices.
This situation stems from power abuses more than conflict (or ignorance). Abuse is very different phenomenon to conflict and needs to be addressed as such. Abuse does not go away unless it is challenged at every opportunity and the perpetrator is consistently held accountable for every breach. (Whereas, conflict assumes an equal powerbase; can be mediated and does not involve human rights violations per se).
Government sactioned murder can not be allowed to occur and a generic body like CMC is inadequately equipped to deal with this very specific and entrenched form of corruption. I propose an independent, specialised indigenous taskforce be set up and that it not be left up to a “powerful” group of mainstream elites to fumble with such culturally and morally delicate issues such as this; especially given the extent racism permeates Queensland’s governmental institutions.
I’ve attached a link that I think could be fleshed out and furthered – (Well Done Margaret Wenham). http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20955432-3102,00.html The Queensland Government is acting no different to any other rogue state which choses to violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, often without consequences.
Compare Mulrunji’s murder with the treatment he had the right to expect - http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html .
In reality, certain Queenslanders are receiving death penalties without trial, and this is being simultaneously ignored and endorsed by the Beattie Government.
Words cannot encapsulate just how morally reprehensible this situation is; and how heavily it burdens the minds, hearts and souls of each of us Admittedly, I don’t know as much as I should about indigenous culture but doesn’t take much to recognise the horrific injustices that has been visited upon this man, his family and his people.. Mulrunji, may your death not be in vain. May the theft of your life be a catalyst to obtain long-overdue justice for your people. Our thoughts are very much with your family at this time.
Although everyone would have different opinions; the Premier’s statement yesterday re: treating all indigenous deaths in custody as suspicious and being dealt with by the CMC immediately seems to be a smoke screen to me. The route he is taking has very little focus on prevention and I believe will do very little to combat the control dynamic and sense of entitlement that underpins these horrendous injustices.
This situation stems from power abuses more than conflict (or ignorance). Abuse is very different phenomenon to conflict and needs to be addressed as such. Abuse does not go away unless it is challenged at every opportunity and the perpetrator is consistently held accountable for every breach. (Whereas, conflict assumes an equal powerbase; can be mediated and does not involve human rights violations per se).
Government sactioned murder can not be allowed to occur and a generic body like CMC is inadequately equipped to deal with this very specific and entrenched form of corruption. I propose an independent, specialised indigenous taskforce be set up and that it not be left up to a “powerful” group of mainstream elites to fumble with such culturally and morally delicate issues such as this; especially given the extent racism permeates Queensland’s governmental institutions.
I’ve attached a link that I think could be fleshed out and furthered – (Well Done Margaret Wenham). http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20955432-3102,00.html The Queensland Government is acting no different to any other rogue state which choses to violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, often without consequences.
Compare Mulrunji’s murder with the treatment he had the right to expect - http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html .
In reality, certain Queenslanders are receiving death penalties without trial, and this is being simultaneously ignored and endorsed by the Beattie Government.
Words cannot encapsulate just how morally reprehensible this situation is; and how heavily it burdens the minds, hearts and souls of each of us It doesn’t take much to recognise the horrific injustices that has been visited upon this man, his family and his people. Mulrunji, may your death not be in vain. May the theft of your life be a catalyst to obtain long-overdue justice for your people. Our thoughts are very much with your family at this time.
I think Queensland still remain as the one of worst discrimination place in Australia against to Aboriginal people. Two hundreds years has been passed from the English brougth to Australia the European “civilization”
two hundreds years that the Aboriginal people has been suffer the discrimination.
The Anglo-Sajon people in Australia are racist by natura, not only target the Aboriginal people but as well the Asians, the Africans, the Latin American and today the Muslems. There are many Anglo -Sajon people in Australia whose fight against the discrimination and they as well are been attack because they support the social justice.
As an individual with morals and a belief in the importance of the rule of law which is meant to be the basis of our democratic society: I endorse this letter.
Please note: editors notes are in square brackets [].
Two weeks ago it was an Iranian man who died in custody. [January 2008]
On Australia Day [Invasion Day] it is an Aboriginal man who died on a 952 kilometre journey in the back of a van [See the perfunctionary way this death is reported by News Corporation below, frontpage news is given to President Suharto's death — the leader of the vicious military dictatorship in indonesia from 1966 till 1998].
You can read here what Richard Harding, Inspector general of West Australian prisons, said about this contract [the contract that the West Australian Corrective Services has with Global Solutions Limited for transporting prisoners etc.].
It was over 40 degrees in Warburton, on the day this man started his 952 kilometre journey to the closest prison, in the back of a van after being picked up for allegedly drink-driving.
I wonder if it was air conditioned?
I wonder also if he was left in the back of the van while the GSL guards refreshed themselves en route?
Parents who leave children in cars on hot days are warned of the dangers and charged.
Are there charges in WA for leaving an aboriginal man in the back of a stinking hot van.
Let us ask the questions.
–
Pamela Curr
Campaign Coordinator
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre ASRC
12 Batman St
West Melbourne 3003
ph 03 93266066 fax 03 93265199
http://www.asrc.org.au
Pamela Curr
http://justfreedom.org.au
Drink driver dies in custody
Paige Taylor | January 28, 2008
Copyright 2008 News Limited. All times AEDT (GMT +11)
MAJOR Crime Squad detectives are investigating the death in custody of an Aboriginal man
arrested on Australia Day in the West Australian desert town of Warburton for allegedly drink driving.
Police say the man died the next day after collapsing in the back of a security van on the second leg of a 915km journey to jail in the goldfields city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
He was being driven by contractors for the Department of Corrective Services, who noticed he had collapsed as they neared their destination.
Police stopped the man last Saturday at 9.30pm in his remote home town of Warburton, 1500km northwest of Perth in the traditional Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
He was charged with one count of drink driving and taken to the lockup in Warburton.
He was driven 570km to the courthouse in the town of Laverton where he appeared on Sunday and was remanded in custody.
Police say he was being transported to the nearest jail, the Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison 352km away, when he collapsed.
The man was being transported by Global Solutions Limited, after having been picked up in Laverton at 11.40am, police say.
He was being conveyed in the rear of the GSL security van.
As the van neared Kalgoorlie, the man was found to have collapsed and he was conveyed to Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.
But he died a short time later.
Kalgoorlie Detectives will help the Major Crime Squad with its investigation of the man’s death.
Corrective Services Minister Margaret Quirk said the cause of the death had not yet been established.
“Any death in custody is a tragedy and will be thoroughly investigated,” she said.