Published Wednesday, 20 June, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND RE THE HURLEY MATTER
“I know this has been a difficult time for Senior Sergeant Hurley and his family. I know it’s also been a difficult time for Mulrunji’s family. But under our system of law, the jury system makes a determination and that’s final and I would urge everybody to accept the decision of the court without question.
This is a difficult time in our history and it’s been difficult for the individuals involved, but the rule of law has prevailed here and it’s important that we accept the decision of the jury and we move on.
Everyone needs to be aware that a jury acquittal cannot be appealed.
I note that the trial judge, Justice Peter Dutney, on the first day of the trial said “When the jury gives its verdict, this matter is over as far as the court system is concerned, and I expect anyone who is disappointed by it to deal with it calmly and with dignity.” Can I join Justice Dutney and urge everyone, no matter how difficult this may be, to deal with this decision calmly and with dignity.
What Queensland has to do is, now that this decision has been made and there is finality, we have to move on. And we will be working as closely as we can with indigenous communities and police to improve relations. We think relations generally are good, but in areas where they need to be improved, they will be.
We have a good police service. We have, I believe most people in indigenous communities welcoming police. What we need to do is continue to work on improving those relations even though I think they are generally good.
Today the jury has made a decision, and the decision was an acquittal, and Senior Sergeant Hurley is now entitled to resume his life and his career.
Recently we announced additional police for indigenous communities. That will reinforce support for those communities. And we’ve also announced a program to bring in CCTV into police watchhouses. Both of these measures are designed to help ensure that we never again see a repeat of this tragedy.”
Wednesday June 20, 2007
For more information: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
This is a difficult time in our history and it’s been difficult for the individuals involved, but the rule of law has prevailed here and it’s important that we accept the decision of the jury and we move on.
Everyone needs to be aware that a jury acquittal cannot be appealed.
I note that the trial judge, Justice Peter Dutney, on the first day of the trial said “When the jury gives its verdict, this matter is over as far as the court system is concerned, and I expect anyone who is disappointed by it to deal with it calmly and with dignity.” Can I join Justice Dutney and urge everyone, no matter how difficult this may be, to deal with this decision calmly and with dignity.
What Queensland has to do is, now that this decision has been made and there is finality, we have to move on. And we will be working as closely as we can with indigenous communities and police to improve relations. We think relations generally are good, but in areas where they need to be improved, they will be.
We have a good police service. We have, I believe most people in indigenous communities welcoming police. What we need to do is continue to work on improving those relations even though I think they are generally good.
Today the jury has made a decision, and the decision was an acquittal, and Senior Sergeant Hurley is now entitled to resume his life and his career.
Recently we announced additional police for indigenous communities. That will reinforce support for those communities. And we’ve also announced a program to bring in CCTV into police watchhouses. Both of these measures are designed to help ensure that we never again see a repeat of this tragedy.”
Wednesday June 20, 2007
For more information: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500