Published Thursday, 14 December, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER AND THE ACTING MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES.
Premier Peter Beattie said today that he understood friends and family of Mulrunji would find it difficult to understand the DPP’s decision with regard to Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley.
“I know this decision is not one the family, nor many members of Mulrunji’s community will welcome,” Mr Beattie said.
“In her statement the DPP has announced that the ‘evidence was not capable of proving Senior Sergeant Hurley was criminally responsible’ for the death of Mulrunji on Palm Island in 2004.
“While some people will be unhappy with the decision, just as others were unhappy with the findings of the independent Coronial inquiry, we must now all accept the decision of the independent DPP.
“To the community I say, please continue to work with us to improve the lives of everyone on Palm Island, and stay calm.
“The Police Minister has informed me that the Police Commissioner has decided the Senior Sergeant will stay on non-operational activities while internal police investigations continue,” Mr Beattie said.
Meantime, the Acting Minister for Communities, Kerry Shine said today that the Qld Department of Communities would continue to monitor the Palm Island community for any indications that counsellors were required,
A Community Mental Health team is in place on the island, the Joyce Palmer Health Service provides mental health services on a walk-in basis, or by referral from Health Service staff, the Queensland Ambulance Service, the client or family members.
Mr Shine said a government co-ordinator was also working with the Palm Island community and was empowered to call in additional counselling services if required by the local community.
The Acting Minister said the government co-ordinator had reported no need for additional services but that standing arrangements were place to provide the necessary counsellors at short notice if required.
“The Co-ordinator on the ground at Palm Island will continue to monitor the need for services of Palm Island residents,” Mr Shine said.
“The Department of Communities has funded Relationships Australia to provide counselling and family support services to Palm Island, this service will be available from tomorrow.
“Some $260,000 has been allocated to the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare association – North Queensland Community Development Division.
“This money will be used in partnership with service providers to deliver a range of services including family support for children and young people, temporary accommodation and interim Safe Haven services.
“Should additional counsellors be required I understand the Department also has an agreement with the Relationships Australia in Townsville which allows us to call in further assistance if need be.”
Thursday December 14, 2006
Media contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“I know this decision is not one the family, nor many members of Mulrunji’s community will welcome,” Mr Beattie said.
“In her statement the DPP has announced that the ‘evidence was not capable of proving Senior Sergeant Hurley was criminally responsible’ for the death of Mulrunji on Palm Island in 2004.
“While some people will be unhappy with the decision, just as others were unhappy with the findings of the independent Coronial inquiry, we must now all accept the decision of the independent DPP.
“To the community I say, please continue to work with us to improve the lives of everyone on Palm Island, and stay calm.
“The Police Minister has informed me that the Police Commissioner has decided the Senior Sergeant will stay on non-operational activities while internal police investigations continue,” Mr Beattie said.
Meantime, the Acting Minister for Communities, Kerry Shine said today that the Qld Department of Communities would continue to monitor the Palm Island community for any indications that counsellors were required,
A Community Mental Health team is in place on the island, the Joyce Palmer Health Service provides mental health services on a walk-in basis, or by referral from Health Service staff, the Queensland Ambulance Service, the client or family members.
Mr Shine said a government co-ordinator was also working with the Palm Island community and was empowered to call in additional counselling services if required by the local community.
The Acting Minister said the government co-ordinator had reported no need for additional services but that standing arrangements were place to provide the necessary counsellors at short notice if required.
“The Co-ordinator on the ground at Palm Island will continue to monitor the need for services of Palm Island residents,” Mr Shine said.
“The Department of Communities has funded Relationships Australia to provide counselling and family support services to Palm Island, this service will be available from tomorrow.
“Some $260,000 has been allocated to the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare association – North Queensland Community Development Division.
“This money will be used in partnership with service providers to deliver a range of services including family support for children and young people, temporary accommodation and interim Safe Haven services.
“Should additional counsellors be required I understand the Department also has an agreement with the Relationships Australia in Townsville which allows us to call in further assistance if need be.”
Thursday December 14, 2006
Media contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500