Qld: Federal minister seeks review of DPP decision

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2006
Qld: Federal minister seeks review of DPP decision

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister MAL BROUGH says an independent judicial review
is needed .. into the death in custody of an Aboriginal man in far north Queensland two
years ago.

Mr BROUGH says the findings of the state's coroner and Director of Public Prosecutions
into the death of 36-year-old MULRUNJI DOOMADGEE are poles apart.

He's told ABC radio the community's bewildered at the conflicting reports .. and has
called on Premier PETER BEATTIE to announce a judicial review.

But Queensland Police Minister JUDY SPENCE says such a review would be inappropriate.

DPP LEANNE CLARE yesterday said charges wouldn't be laid against Senior Sergeant CHRIS HURLEY.

In September .. a coroner found Senior Sergeant HURLEY struck DOOMADGEE in November
2004 .. causing his fatal injuries at the Palm Island police station.

But Ms CLARE yesterday said the death had been due to a complicated fall and the evidence
was not capable of proving Senior Sergeant HURLEY was criminally responsible.

Aboriginal leader NOEL PEARSON has accused Ms CLARE of incompetence and says the government
should seek a second opinion.

AAP RTV pjo/sc/wf/bart

KEYWORD: MULRUNJI (BRISBANE)

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