Payout for Palm Island

THE State Government has given the green light to settle a class action over the racist police response to riots on Palm Island in an abrupt about-face set to cost millions of dollars.

It was revealed in the Federal Court yesterday that settlement instructions and a top figure have been confirmed by the Caretaker Advisory Group, which oversees government business during election campaigns, and an agreement could be reached before Christmas.

It would mark the end of an ugly chapter in Queensland’s history that unfolded under another Labor government in 2004 when Cameron “Mulrunji” Doomadgee died in custody and riots broke out in the indigenous community, which armed specialist police later stormed.

If a settlement isn’t reached after mediation begins on December 6, it is scheduled to go to trial next year.