Victim ... Cameron Doomadgee.
THE Mayor of Palm Island, Delena Foster, says she is disgusted
that the Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions will not seek
an external review of the decision not to charge a policeman over
the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee.
Ms Foster also called for the sacking of the director, Leanne
Clare, over her handling of Mr Doomadgee's death in custody in
2004.
Ms Clare said last week that Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley would
not be charged despite a ruling by the deputy state coroner,
Christine Clements, that he caused the death.
The Attorney-General, Kerry Shine, wrote to Ms Clare yesterday
saying the Premier, Peter Beattie, would strongly support a review
or a second opinion.
Ms Clare said last night that she was acutely aware of the
controversy over her decision.
"It does not change the fact, however, that the evidence does
not support a prosecution. If this case had gone to a jury no
law-abiding citizen - black or white, Christian or Muslim - would
have found this man guilty."
Sergeant Hurley could not be prosecuted even if she did order an
external review, she said.
"The firm assessment of my office was that the evidence fell
considerably short of that which would be required to put anyone on
trial. Therefore, no one in my office could prosecute this case
regardless of any position adopted by an external review."
Ms Foster described Ms Clare's decision as cowardly.
"I'm very disappointed, angry and disgusted. It makes you
wonder, what has she got to hide? It's cowardly on her part."
Ms Foster said outrage expressed in rallies in three states
should have been enough to prompt an independent review.
"I would have thought Ms Clare would have had compassion for the
family and, knowing that there hasn't been closure for them, she
would have been more willing to have an independent review," she
said.
"I believe the Premier should sack Ms Clare because she is
incompetent and she has failed to disclose any reasons why she came
to that decision."
Ms Foster said she would speak to Mr Doomadgee's family about
flying to Brisbane soon to talk to Mr Beattie and Ms Clare about
the findings.
Ms Clare said ordering an external review would "override" her
office's independence.
She said she would be happy to meet Mr Doomadgee's family and
explain her findings.
Ms Foster said: "And so she should meet with the family. She
should let them know what was the additional information that she
received to make her decision. This hasn't been shared."
AAP
