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2004 Palm Island death in custody

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The 2004 Palm Island death in custody incident relates to the death of Palm Island, Queensland resident, Mulrunji (known as Cameron Doomadgee while alive) on Friday, 19 November 2004 in a police cell. The death of Mulrunji lead to civic distubances on the island and a legal, political and media sensation that continues to this day.

Two legal questions arise from the death, firstly whether Mulrunji should have been taken into custody in the first place and secondly what was the cause of the injuries that lead to his death. Politically these questions relate to the 1990 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and whether its recommendations to prevent deaths in custody had been implemented.


Events surrounding the death 19 November 2004

Mulrunji, an Indigenous Australian was aged 36 when he died. The time of death was about 11:20am on Palm Island, one hour after being picked up for allegedly causing a public nuisance.

Mulrunji was placed in a the two cell lock up which was the back section of the Palm Island Police Station. Fellow Palm Islander Patrick Bramwell, who had been picked up for being drunk, was placed in the adjourning cell.[1]

The arresting officer, Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley, and the police liaison officer, Lloyd Bengaroo, were flown off the island the following Monday after receiving threats.[2]

This was the 147th Black Death in custody since the handing down of the 1990 Royal Commission.[3]

Mulrunji was the second youngest of ten siblings, he had a fifteen year old son, Eric Doomadgee.[4]

A autopsy report by Coroner Michael Barnes was produced for the family one week after the death. It stated that Mulrunji had suffered four broken ribs, which had ruptured his liver and spleen,[2] it also found that the body's blood alcohol content was 0.29 from a cocktail of alcohol including methylated spirits mixed with sweet cordial.[5] The family of the deceased were informed by the Coroner that the death was the result of "an intra-abdominal haemorrhage caused by a ruptured liver and portal vein".[2]

According to residents and relatives as reported in the media; Mulrunji visited his new baby niece early on the morning of 19 November 2004, he was drinking beer at the time but was not considered to be drunk, he was carrying a bucket with a mud crab which he was going to sell. He then walked from his mother and sister's house to "D" Street where he was picked up.[6] Reports indicate that he was walking along the Street singing "Who Let the Dogs Out?" when Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley drove past, deciding that "dogs" was a reference to the police, Hurley reversed 150 meters back to Mulrunji and arrested him for creating a public nuisance. Mulrunji was then taken in the back of the police vehicle for the short trip to the police station.[6]

Doomadgee family spokesman, Brad Foster, claimed that 15 minutes lapsed before a seven second check was done on the inmates. 42 minutes later a second police officer observed that Mulrunji was a strange colour and that he was cold to the touch, he could not find a pulse. On being alerted to this Arresting Officer Chris Hurley came in and thought he could detect a pulse. By all accounts an ambulance was then called which took 15 minutes to arrive during which time no attempts were made to resuscitate the prisoner, although the autopsy found that there would have been no chance of saving him.[1] Instead, the videotape footage from the cell shows Chris Hurley checking for breathing and pulse then "sliding down the wall of the cell until he sat with his face in his hands".[7]

Soon after Mulrunji's sister brought lunch for Mulrunji to the front section of the police station, she was told to go away by the police and was not informed of events. The family and the state coroner were informed of the death at about 3pm that afternoon. Police began taking statements from witnesses however procedures for taking of statements from illiterate Aborigines were not followed, including that they are required to have representative present who understands the process (preferably a legal representation).[1]

The family later stated that the Government's response was not to provide counselling for the family but to send in 18 extra police from Townsville who "strut around this community, looking intimidating".[1]

Riot

For the following week public meetings were held on the Island, anger rising in the community about the death.[8]

On Friday 26 November 2004 the results of the autopsy report were read to a public meeting by then Palm Island Council Chairwoman Erykah Kyle. Although the autopsy report was medical and did not state what caused his death, it did list possible causes which included that the multiple injuries sustained could have been consistent with him falling on a shallow concrete step at the Palm Island watchhouse.[2][5]. The deceased was 181cm tall and weighed 74 kilograms. Hurley was 200.66cm tall and weighed 115 kilograms.[9] The injury may have been caused by Hurley falling on the deceased..[10] The Coroner later stated that the autopsy was "far too sensitive and private" to be publicly released.[11] Subsequent to the autopsy report reading a succession of angry young Aboriginal men spoke to the crowd and encouraged immediate action be taken against the police. Mulrunji's death was repeatedly branded "cold-blooded murder". A riot erupted involving an estimated 400 people, half of them school children.[2][5]

The local courthouse, police station and police barracks were burned down. 18 local police had to repeatedly retreat; firstly receding from the station to the residential barracks, when the barracks were also set alight they (and their families) withdrew to the hospital and barricaded themselves in. Cars and machinery were driven onto the runway, blocking all aircraft movement. Even the (Aboriginal) volunteer fire brigade had stones thrown at them while they tried to put out the courthouse and police station fires.[2]

As the riot occurred during the school lunch break it was witnessed by many children. As a way of helping them understand and cope with the on-going trauma they had experienced children were later encouraged to express themselves through art, one of the resulting pieces was titled "We saw the police station burn. I want people to have love."[12]

The volatile situation was attributed to the lack of consultation with the family and community combined with the premature public release of the autopsy report.[2]

Police response

Later the same day approximately 80 additional police from Townsville and Cairns were flown to Palm to restore order,[2] they converted the Bwgcolman Community School into a headquarters and sleeping barracks and commandeered St Michael's school bus.[8] Included in the fly in police contingent was the 'tactical response group' who wore riot shields, balaclavas and helmets with face-masks, Glock pistol at the hip and a shotgun or semi-automatic rifle in their right hand.[8]

Over the weekend the tactical response group stormed many homes, children as young as nine were forced at gunpoint to lie face down on floors during late-night raids while their parents were arrested and taken to Townsville.[13]

Premier Peter Beattie visited Palm Island on Sunday the 28th producing a five-point plan to restore order to local leaders. There was much debate over the appropriateness of the police/government response to the riot, it was likened to acts of terrorists and storm troopers and complaints were made that Aboriginal Legal Aid had been denied access to the Island. On the other extreme Queensland Police Union President Denis Fitzpatrick demanded the rioters be charged with attempted murder of 12 police. The police who had been stationed on the island indicated through the Union that they did not wish to return.[13]

An "emergency situation" under the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 (the Act) was declared by police on the afternoon of the riot, and was lifted two days later just before the Premier's arrival. However the timing of the "emergency" was later disputed by lawyers for the Palm Island community who maintained that the emergency could only last for as long as the riot itself and that the police did not have the extended search and detain powers under the Act that they were relying upon.[14]

The Queensland Government has admitted it may be difficult to find police prepared to serve on the island at this time but has repeatedly stated it is committed to a continued police presence on the island. [citation needed]

Court proceedings resulting from the riot

A total of 28 Aborigines were arrested and charged with offences ranging from arson to riotous behaviour in the weeks following the riot.[5]

Initially thirteen Palm Islanders were arrested and charged, they appeared before the Townsville Magistrates Court on Monday November 29, the first business day after the riot.[13] The Palm Islanders faced charges of riot, arson and assault, it was determined by the Magistrate that due to the 'state of emergency over there' it would be too dangerous to allow the defendants to return to Palm and therefore bail was not considered.[15] On December 1 three more rioters were arrested, this time all women, a 65-year-old grandmother, her daughter, and the daughter of a Palm Island councillor.[4]

All 19 charged with rioting by December 6 were granted bail by the Queensland Chief Magistrate although conditions were imposed such as not being allowed to return to Palm Island including for the funeral of Mulrunji. Another notable condition of bail was that they were not to attend rallies or marches over the death in custody. The circumstances leading up to the riot were taken into consideration when bail was considered and it was reasoned that if they stay in the different community of Townsville that there was a low likelihood of re-offending.[16]

Mr. Lex Wotton was warned by a Brisbane court in 2006 to comply with the original conditions of bail by discontinuing his public appearances at rallies and marches.

4 people were prosecuted for the riot and they were acquitted.[17] Mr. Wotton pleaded guilty to rioting then, after the others were acquitted, in May 2007 successfully challenged the legal proceedings and withdrew his guilty plea. [18]

On the 20th of June, Chris Hurley was proven not guilty by the court.

Political controversies

Air affair

In one of the more unusual political controversies of the Beattie Government, then Queensland Indigenous Policy Minister Liddy Clark offered for activist Murandoo Yanner and Carpentaria Land Council chief executive Brad Foster to accompany her to Palm Island in the weeks after the riot at taxpayers' expense.[19]

The Minister and her office told The Australian newspaper; the Government payed for the tickets in order to expedite the purchasing of the tickets at such short notice, both Yanner and Foster had agreed to reimburse the Government later for the cost of the tickets. According to Yanner and Foster; Minister Clark's Senior Policy Advisor had asked them to fabricate a story for the public that they had agreed to reimburse the cost of the flights, while assuring them they would not have to pay.[19]

Premier Peter Beattie ordered the Minister to pay the $1 775 herself[19] although he would not go as far as to fire her over the controversy unless there was an adverce criminal or misconduct finding, he said that Mr Yanner had no credibility, the Minister immediately took unscheduled holiday leave.[20][21] A Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) criminal and misconduct investigation was launched into the whole affair,[19][21] Mr. Yanner and Mr. Foster refused to cooperate with the investigation. Ms. Clark and her Senior Policy Advisor were interviewed at leanth by the CMC, Ms. Clark maintained that she had never spoken to Yanner or Foster, that she had not directed her Senior Policy Advisor to politically cover for her with the alleged deal and that Yanner and Foster were definitely told that they would have to pay the airfare back.[22] The CMC demanded that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) hand over the tapes and backup tapes of particular interviews with Yanner and Foster which were central to the investigation, the interviews then had to be deleted from ABC audio and computers.[23]

Even though the Minister had already personally paid the cost of the airfare the Queensland Government ministerial services still pursued Yanner and Foster for the money on behalf of Ms. Clark however they refused to pay.[24]

1 March 2005 the Crime and Misconduct Commission released its draft report, finding that the office of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs had lied over the airfare affair "to avoid the possibility of short-term political embarrassment", sending a deliberately misleading statement to The Australian. The Minister Liddy Clark, who was a former Play School presenter, immediately resigned from the Cabinet to become a backbencher. The Premier accepted responsibility for giving "a new minister such a tough portfolio".[25] Liddy Clark and the two ministerial staff denied deliberately misleading the public.[26]

The adverse finding was based on a media statement to The Australian which made the positive statement; "we agreed to assist with the airline bookings on the understanding that they would pick up the cost" when it was known at the time by the Minister that the possibility of the airfares being repaid was only mooted after the tickets had been booked. The CMC noted that it was not improper for the flights to have been paid by taxpayers, nor was it improper to ask for it to be reimbursed, the lying to escape political fallout was the only issue of misconduct. "The mischief lies in what was an abandonment of the truth to avoid the possibility of short-term political embarrassment."[25]

Australian Labor Party (ALP) Palm Island branch revolt

Some months after the riot the 24-member ALP branch on Palm Island publicly revolted against Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, writing a letter to him through local State Member Mike Reynolds outlining grievances against the State Government Labor Party administration. The letter stated that the branch was active in organising protests against the Premier and his upcoming opening of a new Queensland Police Youth Club facility on Palm Island. The letter even hinted at a desire among members to defect to the Liberal Party of Australia, stating that under Labor living conditions have not improved on the island, and life expectancy had fallen.[27]

Police Youth Centre

In a general atmosphere where there was high levels of local animosity towards the police in the months following the riot, the Queensland Government coincidently had completed construction of a new multi-million dollar community centre which would be primarily under the control of the Police Youth Club Association. Premier Peter Beattie was due to open the new facility in February 2005, in the lead up to the launch (while the Coronial inquiry was just beginning) Mr Beattie was asked not to proceed with the launch by the Doomadgee family. Additionally the Palm Island Council moved a resolution asking that the Centre not be opened until its use and occupancy could be agreed upon between the State and Local Governments. The resolution specifically asked that the Centre not be in the possession of the Police Citizens Youth Club Association or the Queensland Police Service.[28][27]

The Government agreed in advance that the Centre would no longer have the word "Police" in its title however the opening by the Premier was to proceed as planned.[28] When the Premier opened the centre he was met with a generally hostile reception. The Council boycotted the ceremony and only thirty people attended the ceremony, half of whom were holding placards demanding more money be spent on employment and health services. Beattie said that this reaction was to be expected because of current tensions with the community about police, however facilities like this were a way of building better relations between the community and the police.[29]

In an extremely politically controversial grab for the nation's media attention, lawyer Andrew Boe, representing the Palm Island Council, sent a tape recording and statements by Councillors to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC). The tape was purported to be a recording of a "heated" meeting between the Palm Island Councillors, the Premier and several Queensland Ministers before the Premier's delegation moved on to the opening ceremony of the community centre. It was alleged that the Premier proposed to forgive a $800,000 Council debt to the Government in exchange for the Councillors cancelling their boycott of the opening ceremony. Lawyer Andrew Boe accused the Premier of blackmail.

Before the tape was sent, the Premier pre-emptively stated in Parliament that he had not offered an inducement and that he had actually offered a package of measures in exchange for the Council lifting its performance. Mr. Beattie stated that the Council needed to "get off [their] backsides and actually do something for [the] people" and then intergovernmental partnerships could be formed.[30] The CMC later cleared Mr Beattie of any wrongdoing saying that the tapes did not substantiate the quotes attributed by Mr. Boe[31][32]

The State Government has since been largely vindicated with the PCYC Centre having become a great success on the island where young and old participate in numerous sporting, educational and cultural activities in a safe and comfortable environment. The Centre is mostly staffed by community members and it has been the focal point of re-building positive relations between the police and the community.[33]

Investigations into the death in Custody

Because of suspicions about the results of the first autopsy by the Queensland government pathologist the family delayed Mulrunji's funeral and insisted that the Coroner order a second "independent autopsy" which would be observed by a pathologist on behalf of the Doomadgee family.[15][6]

Coronial inquiry

On 8 February 2005 an initial one-day directions hearing for a full coronial inquiry into the death in custody was held. It was decided by Coroner Barnes that the inquiry would take place on the island so that the people of Palm Island would have the opportunity to observe the process, however medical evidence and evidence given by police officers was to be taken in open court in Townsville due to logistical issues and safety concerns of the police. The inquiry would begin on 28 February.[34] Coroner Michael Barnes was assisted by two senior counsel. The directions hearing was held in a marquee because there are no other premises on the Island large enough for the expected audience. 16 barristers and solicitors appeared representing the Queensland Government, the Doomadgee family, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and the Queensland Police Service.[5] During the directions hearing the Doomadgee family requested that the deceased be referred to by tribal name "Mulrunji" in line with Aboriginal custom, the submission was not opposed.[34]

Coroner Barnes had previously been the Aboriginal Legal Aid solicitor for two families before the Royal Commission into Black Deaths in Custody.[6] On the first day of the inquiry the Coroner also disclosed that he headed the complaints section of the Criminal Justice Commission in the early 1990s when several complaints had been made about Chris Hurley however he had not handle the investigation and could not remember the complaints.[35] Although he had not been involved in the investigation, Mr. Barnes was the officer who made the final determination that the complaints were unsubstantiated. Lawyers for both the Doomadgee family and Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley asked that the Coroner disqualify himself (although for different reasons).[36] The Coroner subsequently disqualified himself, Deputy State Coroner Christine Clements flew to Townsville and took over, she decided that the inquest would start afresh on March 29 with a three-day directions hearing in Brisbane.[37]

In late September 2006, coroner Christine Clements found that Doomadgee was killed as a result of punches by Chris Hurley. The pathologist giving evidence at the trial stated that he couldn't absolutely exclude the possibility of punching "but there isn't any evidence to support that proposition".[38]

Clements also accused the police of failing to investigate his death fully. In response to the coroner's findings, Queensland Police Union president Gary Wilkinson was highly critical, saying that the coroner's use of "unreliable evidence from a drunk" was "simply unbelievable".[39]

The coroner also said that Mulrunji should not have been arrested in any case, and that local police had not learned from the findings of a 1980s Royal Commission on the deaths of young Aboriginal men in custody. Largely supporting this conclusion albeit at the level of government rather than local police is the fact that a police officer had considered it necessary to raise similar concerns only a year prior to the death to the Federal Parliamentary Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. In his submissions to the Committee, Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley pointed out the lack of an alcohol diversionary centre on Palm Island. He complained "If we attend a job in relation to alcohol where the person has not committed any other offences besides being drunk in public, the only option we have is to take them to the watch-house." [40]

Palm Island Select Committee

In April 2005, Premier Beattie established the Palm Island Select Committee to investigate issues leading to the riot and other problems. Their report[1] was tabled on 25 August,2005 (Hansard page 2764). It detailed 65 recommendations which seek to reduce violence and overcrowding, and improve standards of education and health. In achieving these objectives, issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and unemployment would also be addressed.[41]

Criminal prosecution of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley

Leanne Clare, the Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), announced on 14 December 2006 that no charges would be laid as there was no evidence proving Sergeant Chris Hurley was responsible for the Mulrunji's death.[42] She reportedly received advice from former Supreme Court Judge James B Thomas before making this decision.[43] After several days of media and public pressure, Queensland state Premier Peter Beattie appointed retired justice Pat Shanahan to review the DPP's decision not to lay charges against the police officer, but Shanahan resigned after it was revealed he had sat on the panel that originally appointed DPP Leanne Clare in 1999.[44] Prime Minister John Howard commented on the situation, saying it would be a "good idea" to appoint someone from outside Queensland.[45] Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Sir Laurence Street, was selected to review the decision not to charge Chris Hurley over the death of Mulrunji.[46] The review resulted in the overturning of the DPP's decision, with Street finding there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Chris Hurley with manslaughter.[47] The Townsville based trial of Chris Hurley on charges of assault and manslaughter took place in June 2007.[48] Chris Hurley was found not guilty.[49]

Disciplinary prosecution of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley

The incident also resulted in an investigation by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC). Included in the duties of the CMC is investigating allegations of police misconduct.[50] Included in the allegations made against Chris Hurley was the allegation that he wrongfully caused the death of Mulrunji. Although they were concerned with disciplinary proceedings rather than criminal court proceedings the CMC reached the same conclusion as the DPP in relation to Hurley causing the death. They advised “….no disciplinary action before the Misconduct Tribunal or by the Queensland Police Service can be taken against the police officer in relation to the cause of death..."[51]


Commentary on the matter by the Queensland Police Union and Aboriginal activists

Soon after the riot the Queensland Police Union claimed that Mulrunji had been involved in a vehicle accident two days before his death, this was later proven to be incorrect.[4] Union President Denis Fitzpatrick demanded the rioters be charged with attempted murder of 12 police. The police who had been stationed on the island indicated through the Union that they did not wish to return.[13] Former Premier Wayne Goss dismissed as "cheap politics" the union's demand for attempted murder charges to be laid, he said their comments since the death in custody had been consistently unhelpful.[52]

After the alleged rioters were granted bail Denis Fitzpatrick criticized the magistrate's decision to grant bail saying that the safety of the community had been put last and that the decision amounted to a "betrayal" of the police.[16] This comment was criticized as hypocritical and systematic of "one rule for us and one for whites and that's a racist legal system where the cops get their way". These criticisms were made by Burketown Aboriginal activist Murrandoo Yanner and relative of the Doomadgee family who was at the centre of controversy in his calls for Aboriginals to bash all "racist cops" and for all police stations to be burnt. However when questioned about Chris Hurley in particular Yanner leapt to his defence saying that Hurley was no racist, that he was loved by the Indigenous communities he had previously worked in. Yanner said that he identified with Chris Hurley in that "he was a thug and a mug. I am the same", and that they would both respond with fists when confronted or challenged, portraying a cop who some years ago had confronted and overcome his own inherent racism while working in the Torres Strait. Murrandoo Yanner's focal point of anger was with the legal system in general and particularly the police's role in justice for Indigenous people, saying that Chris Hurley was an exception to these problems, but had probably gone too far in giving Mulrunji a hiding.[53]

In mid-February 2005 Chris Hurley resumed duties after three months on leave, he was appointed to a duty officer position at the Broadbeach police station on the Gold Coast.[54]

When Coroner Barnes disqualified himself from the inquiry the QPU called for him to be sacked immediately from the position of state coroner for the indiscretion of having a beer with one of the lawyers involved in the case.[37]

When Coroner Clements made her findings QPU President Gary Wilkinson was highly critical. [55] As a result he was charged with contempt of court.[56]

After the Street decision was made public that a prosecution would proceed members of the Union held rallies in every major city in Queensland protesting against the Street's decision, and in support of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley.[57]

In 2007 Tony Koch, The Australian's chief reporter in Queensland, won the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year award for his coverage of the 2004 Palm Island death in custody and related events since.[58]

Brisbane based band Powderfinger wrote a song Black Tears which has not been released at this point but is said to mentioned the Palm Island death in custody by the words "An island watch-house bed, a black man’s lying dead". The song was to be released as part of their 2007 album Dream Days at the Hotel Existence.

Fearing that the lyrics of the song might prejudice the case against their client, Chris Hurley's legal team referred the song to Queensland's Attorney-General, Kerry Shine, in an attempt to get the song banned or the lyrics changed. [59] [60]

The band's management claimed that while the lyrics of the song reference the Chris Hurley case, that they are not specific enough to warrant a ban.[61]

The band's response to the issue was to use an alternate version of "Black Tears" on the album, presumably one that has differing lyrics or content to the originally intended version, but to keep the launch date the same as originally intended[62]. In contrast to the report from the band's management, the band reports that the song was originally influenced by offences relating to people climbing the Australian attraction Uluru (deemed sacred by indigenous Australians), acknowledging nothing relating to the legal case[62].

See also

References

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  29. ^ Gerard, Ian (18 February 2005). "Islanders picket Beattie ceremony". The Australian. p. 6. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Parnell, Sean (25 February 2005). "Beattie accused over lure to blacks". The Australian. p. 7. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ Parnell, Sean (28 March 2005). "Merger plan fails to lift support for Springborg". The Australian. p. 2. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Bribe evidence fails". The Australian. 16 March 2005. p. 6. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Leha, Tim (23 August 2006). "Palm Island PCYC". Living Black (SBS TV, Australia). Retrieved 2007-04-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ a b Koch, Tony (9 February 2005). "Police avoid Palm Island `trouble'". The Australian. p. 4. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ Koch, Tony (1 March 2005). "Island sergeant had faced inquiry". The Australian. p. 3. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Koch, Tony (2 March 2005). "Chief defends Palm Island sergeant". The Australian. p. 7. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ a b Koch, Tony (4 March 2005). "`Biased' coroner out of inquest". The Australian. p. 4. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ [http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2007/s1950196.htm Pathologist gives evidence in Palm Island death case ], ABC News, 13 June 2007.
  39. ^ Police accused of Aborigine death, BBC News, 27 September 2006.
  40. ^ Interest in black deaths in custody renews, ABC News, 7.30 Report, 15 December 2004.
  41. ^ "Overcrowding central to Palm Island's problems: report". ABC Online. 25 August 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ No charges over Aborigine death, BBC News, 14 December 2006.
  43. ^ DPP had second opinion, Courier Mail, 31 January 2007.
  44. ^ "Palm Island judge quits over conflict of interest". The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Associated Press. 27 December,2006. Retrieved 2007-01-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ "PM 'understands' Palm Island anger". The Age, Australian Associated Press. 31 December 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ Chalmers, Emma (12 January 2007). "Street seeks island 'feeling'". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 2007-01-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ "Policeman to be charged over Palm Island death". ABC Online. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  48. ^ "Relations have improved: Beattie". Australian Associated Press. 27 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  49. ^ "Palm Island officer not guilty". Sydney Morning Herald. 20 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ = %5b%5bCrime and Misconduct Commission%5d%5d "Our Jurisdiction". 02 December 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  51. ^ %5b%5bQueensland Police Service%5d%5d "Commissioner's statement re Senior Sergeant Hurley death". 14 December 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  52. ^ Koch, Tony (3 December 2004). "Police aide `in peril' for backing officers". The Australian. p. 7. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ Koch, Tony (11 December 2004). "Yanner's bitter dilemma". The Weekend Australian. p. 1 and 4. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ Roberts, Greg (16 February 2005). "New post for Palm Island officer". The Australian. p. 6. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ "Officer's blow killed Mulrunji says coroner". 28 September 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Police union boss to face court on contempt charge". 29 November 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help)
  57. ^ "Solidarity for Hurley". 31 January 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ "Our man wins Journalist of the Year award". The Weekend Australian. 24 March 2007. p. 1 and 2. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  59. ^ Powderfinger faces album ban, The Courier Mail, retrieved May 3, 2007
  60. ^ Powderfinger facing lyrics ban, The Australian, retrieved May 3, 2007
  61. ^ Powderfinger album faces delay, The Brisbane Times, May 2, 2007
  62. ^ a b Generation Q reports that the band intends to keep the song.
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