Palm apology critical step in regaining trust

THE State Government has committed to rebuilding trust with the indigenous people of Palm Island as it publicly apologises for police actions during the 2004 riot.

The 500- word apology comes as part of a class action settlement agreement that saw the Government pay out $ 30 million to 441 Palm Islanders who claimed to have been racially discriminated against during the public unrest following the death of Cameron Doomadgee ( Mulrunji) in police custody.

The apology says Palm Islanders were discriminated against based on their race by persons who represented the Queensland Government between November 19 and 29, 2004.

“The Queensland Government acknowledges that men, women and children who were assaulted or otherwise treated illegally during this time suffered distress, humiliation and violence,” the apology reads.

“There has been much suffering and pain wrought on the people of Palm Island both during and since those events.

“As a government we have learned from your significant pain and suffering and have taken significant steps to ensure that none of our citizens will again suffer discrimination at the hands of their government.”

The class action was brought forward by Lex, Agnes and Cecilia Wotton – all of whom had their pain and suffering recognised by the Government in the apology.

Lex Wotton was sentenced to seven years in prison for inciting the riot that resulted in the Palm Island police station and courthouse being burnt to the ground.

He was released after serving two years.

In the apology, the Government said it had worked hard to ensure a more culturally sensitive approach to policing across Queensland.

“We pledge to continue working with the Palm Island community in a way that demonstrates our commitment to the future of your community, and our desire to strengthen our relationship with your community and to serve your community with justice and respect,” the apology reads.

Lex Wotton, who agreed to the wording of the Government’s statement, said he was pleased with the apology when the Federal Court approved the settlement.

The Queensland Police Association has staunchly rejected the concept officers did anything wrong, publicly stating they had nothing to say sorry for and declaring if anyone was owed an apology it was the police officers who served on the island during the riots.