Published Thursday, 11 January, 2007 at 03:15 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Minister for Local Government, Planning and Sport
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL ADVISOR APPOINTED TO ASSIST AURUKUN JOINT INVESTIGATION TEAM
Acting Premier Anna Bligh and Acting Police Minister Andrew Fraser have announced the appointment of an Indigenous Cultural Advisor who will play a vital role in the joint Queensland Police/CMC investigation into Tuesday’s riot at Aurukun.
Ms Bligh said she was pleased to announce the appointment of Yarrabah Mayor, Vince Mundraby, to the role in which he will act as a link between the CMC and police investigators and the Aurukun community.
“Cr Mundraby is well known and respected across Cape York, and he has agreed to assist in this important role of liaising between investigators and the Aurukun community following this week’s disturbance,” Ms Bligh said.
“Cr Mundraby is the Mayor of the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community and President of the Aboriginal Local Government Association of Queensland.
“I want to thank Vince for accepting this role, and I know his decision will be widely welcomed and be of great assistance,” the Acting Premier said.
Mr Fraser said the duties of the role will include:
• Liaison with members of the indigenous community on behalf of the Investigation Team;
• Providing advice on indigenous affairs and cultural issues relating to the investigation; and
• Assisting the Queensland Police Service to maintain and ensure an appropriate response to the allegation regarding an assault in custody, that is sensitive to cultural issues and is cognisant of their specific needs.
“This is an important role which will ensure that the investigation team is fully aware of cultural issues that might arise during this process,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said Tuesday night’s disturbance at Aurukun was the focus of two separate investigations.
“There is the wider joint investigation involving the CMC and officers from the Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command, and there is also the ongoing police investigation into criminal activity on the night, including property damage and theft from the local canteen,” Mr Fraser said.
“The Acting Police Commissioner has informed me that police continue to work closely with community leaders to ensure calm remains.
“Further meetings are continuing there this morning.”
Media contact:
Acting Premier’s Office – 3224 6900
Ms Bligh said she was pleased to announce the appointment of Yarrabah Mayor, Vince Mundraby, to the role in which he will act as a link between the CMC and police investigators and the Aurukun community.
“Cr Mundraby is well known and respected across Cape York, and he has agreed to assist in this important role of liaising between investigators and the Aurukun community following this week’s disturbance,” Ms Bligh said.
“Cr Mundraby is the Mayor of the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community and President of the Aboriginal Local Government Association of Queensland.
“I want to thank Vince for accepting this role, and I know his decision will be widely welcomed and be of great assistance,” the Acting Premier said.
Mr Fraser said the duties of the role will include:
• Liaison with members of the indigenous community on behalf of the Investigation Team;
• Providing advice on indigenous affairs and cultural issues relating to the investigation; and
• Assisting the Queensland Police Service to maintain and ensure an appropriate response to the allegation regarding an assault in custody, that is sensitive to cultural issues and is cognisant of their specific needs.
“This is an important role which will ensure that the investigation team is fully aware of cultural issues that might arise during this process,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said Tuesday night’s disturbance at Aurukun was the focus of two separate investigations.
“There is the wider joint investigation involving the CMC and officers from the Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command, and there is also the ongoing police investigation into criminal activity on the night, including property damage and theft from the local canteen,” Mr Fraser said.
“The Acting Police Commissioner has informed me that police continue to work closely with community leaders to ensure calm remains.
“Further meetings are continuing there this morning.”
Media contact:
Acting Premier’s Office – 3224 6900