Cops slam Palm apology
THE Queensland Police Union will help officers transfer out of indigenous communities in the wake of a state government apology for “racial discrimination” during the Palm Island riot.
Union president Ian Leavers said police had nothing to apologise for in relation to their actions on Palm Island in 2004 during the public unrest following the death of Cameron Doomadgee ( Mulrunji) in police custody.
Mr Leavers said it was the police who were owed an apology.
“During the period defined in the apology settled in court, much suffering was also wrought upon those police on Palm Island by locals,” Mr Leavers said.
“Some of these criminal, heinous and illegal acts were confirmed by the courts and offenders were appropriately convicted and sentenced to prison. We need to remember that the police on Palm Island all received bravery awards for their actions and these awards were supported and endorsed by the then premier ( Anna Bligh) and her government.”
Part of the state government’s apology was revealed when the Federal Court approved a $ 30 million class action settlement on Friday.
It stated the government “acknowledges that men, women and children who were assaulted, or otherwise treated illegally during this time suf- fered distress, humiliation and violence, and were discriminated against on the basis of their race by persons who represented the Queensland Government”.
Mr Leavers said the apology and settlement payout could have far- reaching effects for police officers.
He said officers understood their job was often dangerous, difficult, and sometimes thankless but said some police may not feel comfortable working in certain situations after the settlement.
“The implications of this matter are quite profound and far- reaching. Police stationed in indigenous communities do a terrific job and are often selfless in their devotion to their role,” he said.
“We do, however, understand if any police officer feels they want to transfer out of an indigenous community as a result of this event, we as the Queensland Police Union would fully support them in that decision.”
The apology was seen as a key part of the settlement for the class action that was launched by Lex Wotton, who served jail time for his role in the riots, his partner Cecilia Wotton and his mother Agnes Wotton on behalf of the Palm Island residents.
The $ 30 million will be split between 441 members in coming months with Levitt Robinson legal firm taking about $ 4 million for their efforts.
An initial payment of $ 3000 to each member is expected to be paid before the end of the year, according to Mr Wotton, with more substantial payments to follow based on the individuals experience during the riots.