Relatives of the north Queensland man who died in police custody on Palm
Island last week say the local Indigenous community is desperate for
justice.
The death of 36-year-old Cameron Doomagee sparked a riot on the island
yesterday, with the police station set alight and other buildings damaged.
An autopsy showed 36-year-old Cameron Doomagee had broken ribs and a
punctured lung. Palm Island Council chairwoman Erykah Kyle told
"Lateline" that the broken ribs caused a rupture in Mr Doomagee's liver,
causing internal bleeding.
Mr Doomagee's cousin, Murrandoo Doomagee, says the riots were a last resort.
"We've had enough mate, this is ridiculous," he said.
"If the system works we'll respect it. The system not only is not
working for us, it has never ever worked for us or delivered justice.
"What is going on on Palm Island is a genuine reflection of how all
Aboriginal people are feeling at this stage across Aboriginal Australia."
Police have said that Mr Doomagee's death was the result of a scuffle in
which an officer and Mr Doomagee fell down concrete steps.
Aboriginal leader Sam Watson says the healing process on Palm Island
will be long and painful.
He says the Aboriginal community must be consulted and involved in any
investigations into Mr Doomagee's death.
"If criminal charges can be supported then the people responsible must
be charged, the same as any other member of the community," Mr Watson said.
"Queensland police, Australian police do no have an open licence to
terrorise, bash and murder Aboriginal people. That blue uniform is not
an open licence to do that."
Meanwhile, some Palm Island locals are concerned they could lose
teaching and medical staff as a result of the riots.
Resident Nikki Bull says the experience may frighten away non-Indigenous
support workers.
"At this particular point in time who could really blame them if they
want to get off the island as soon as possible," she said.
"There's a great lot of fear here and not only with non-Indigenous staff
but with some Indigenous people here as well.
"They just feel that there are other ways to handle a situation like this." |
