Man who died in police custody was a dedicated educator
An Aboriginal man who died after police prevented him from boarding a flight was a senior Wadeye elder who lobbied for bilingual schooling and better education funding for his community.
A death-in-custody investigation is under way after federal police stopped the 68-year-old from joining a flight out of Darwin on May 30, on reports he was intoxicated.
He was taken into "protective custody" but on arrival at Royal Darwin Hospital he was found to be unconscious, prompting medical staff to commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful.
He was transferred to the intensive care unit for ongoing treatment for a suspected medical event but died there on Saturday.
"The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a postmortem," Northern Territory police have said.
"The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness."
The AFP has said the man was not arrested and was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers".
Aboriginal leaders from the Top End's Daly region have expressed their communities' grief over the loss of the elder - referred to as TN after his death.
Thamarrurr Development Corporation representing Wangga, Lirrga, Wulthirri and Tharnpa peoples confirmed in a statement he was a "much loved and respected senior man, who was a mentor to us all".
"A great visionary and educator, a campaigner for a better life for his community and a respected leader, he will be greatly missed."
TN was a champion for bilingual education and had produced children's books in local tribal language.
In 2007 he took part in a racial discrimination action in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission arguing Wadeye children received less than half the school funding received by other NT children.
Then-federal education minister Peter Garrett announced the community would get a $7.7 million funding package in exchange for dropping its complaint.
Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said TN, who had been a council member, was a "quiet achiever" whose legacy would live on.
"My heart goes out to his loved ones and all mob across the Wadeye and Darwin Daly regions."
Opposition leader Selena Uibo said TN's loss would be "be felt deeply across the territory".
"He was a respected and strong leader - valued for the guidance he provided to those he worked alongside and the outcomes he helped deliver for his community," Ms Uibo said.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government recognised the "pain and grief being felt" and her thoughts were with the man's family and loved ones.
Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci said he had known TN for many years and he was "deeply saddened at his death".
"I was able to accompany him on the last day of his life, I was in the hospital with his wife and family and to pray with him and to be there with them, walking with them at this very significant time," he told the ABC.
"He believed in education as empowerment and he was an educator for many years himself.
"He was co-principal at the school at Wadeye and really contributed deeply and widely there for the education of young people."
NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
13YARN 13 92 76
Lifeline 13 11 14
An Aboriginal man who died after police prevented him from boarding a flight was a senior Wadeye elder who lobbied for bilingual schooling and better education funding for his community.
A death-in-custody investigation is under way after federal police stopped the 68-year-old from joining a flight out of Darwin on May 30, on reports he was intoxicated.
He was taken into "protective custody" but on arrival at Royal Darwin Hospital he was found to be unconscious, prompting medical staff to commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful.
He was transferred to the intensive care unit for ongoing treatment for a suspected medical event but died there on Saturday.
"The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a postmortem," Northern Territory police have said.
"The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness."
The AFP has said the man was not arrested and was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers".
Aboriginal leaders from the Top End's Daly region have expressed their communities' grief over the loss of the elder - referred to as TN after his death.
Thamarrurr Development Corporation representing Wangga, Lirrga, Wulthirri and Tharnpa peoples confirmed in a statement he was a "much loved and respected senior man, who was a mentor to us all".
"A great visionary and educator, a campaigner for a better life for his community and a respected leader, he will be greatly missed."
TN was a champion for bilingual education and had produced children's books in local tribal language.
In 2007 he took part in a racial discrimination action in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission arguing Wadeye children received less than half the school funding received by other NT children.
Then-federal education minister Peter Garrett announced the community would get a $7.7 million funding package in exchange for dropping its complaint.
Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said TN, who had been a council member, was a "quiet achiever" whose legacy would live on.
"My heart goes out to his loved ones and all mob across the Wadeye and Darwin Daly regions."
Opposition leader Selena Uibo said TN's loss would be "be felt deeply across the territory".
"He was a respected and strong leader - valued for the guidance he provided to those he worked alongside and the outcomes he helped deliver for his community," Ms Uibo said.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government recognised the "pain and grief being felt" and her thoughts were with the man's family and loved ones.
Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci said he had known TN for many years and he was "deeply saddened at his death".
"I was able to accompany him on the last day of his life, I was in the hospital with his wife and family and to pray with him and to be there with them, walking with them at this very significant time," he told the ABC.
"He believed in education as empowerment and he was an educator for many years himself.
"He was co-principal at the school at Wadeye and really contributed deeply and widely there for the education of young people."
NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
13YARN 13 92 76
Lifeline 13 11 14
An Aboriginal man who died after police prevented him from boarding a flight was a senior Wadeye elder who lobbied for bilingual schooling and better education funding for his community.
A death-in-custody investigation is under way after federal police stopped the 68-year-old from joining a flight out of Darwin on May 30, on reports he was intoxicated.
He was taken into "protective custody" but on arrival at Royal Darwin Hospital he was found to be unconscious, prompting medical staff to commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful.
He was transferred to the intensive care unit for ongoing treatment for a suspected medical event but died there on Saturday.
"The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a postmortem," Northern Territory police have said.
"The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness."
The AFP has said the man was not arrested and was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers".
Aboriginal leaders from the Top End's Daly region have expressed their communities' grief over the loss of the elder - referred to as TN after his death.
Thamarrurr Development Corporation representing Wangga, Lirrga, Wulthirri and Tharnpa peoples confirmed in a statement he was a "much loved and respected senior man, who was a mentor to us all".
"A great visionary and educator, a campaigner for a better life for his community and a respected leader, he will be greatly missed."
TN was a champion for bilingual education and had produced children's books in local tribal language.
In 2007 he took part in a racial discrimination action in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission arguing Wadeye children received less than half the school funding received by other NT children.
Then-federal education minister Peter Garrett announced the community would get a $7.7 million funding package in exchange for dropping its complaint.
Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said TN, who had been a council member, was a "quiet achiever" whose legacy would live on.
"My heart goes out to his loved ones and all mob across the Wadeye and Darwin Daly regions."
Opposition leader Selena Uibo said TN's loss would be "be felt deeply across the territory".
"He was a respected and strong leader - valued for the guidance he provided to those he worked alongside and the outcomes he helped deliver for his community," Ms Uibo said.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government recognised the "pain and grief being felt" and her thoughts were with the man's family and loved ones.
Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci said he had known TN for many years and he was "deeply saddened at his death".
"I was able to accompany him on the last day of his life, I was in the hospital with his wife and family and to pray with him and to be there with them, walking with them at this very significant time," he told the ABC.
"He believed in education as empowerment and he was an educator for many years himself.
"He was co-principal at the school at Wadeye and really contributed deeply and widely there for the education of young people."
NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
13YARN 13 92 76
Lifeline 13 11 14
An Aboriginal man who died after police prevented him from boarding a flight was a senior Wadeye elder who lobbied for bilingual schooling and better education funding for his community.
A death-in-custody investigation is under way after federal police stopped the 68-year-old from joining a flight out of Darwin on May 30, on reports he was intoxicated.
He was taken into "protective custody" but on arrival at Royal Darwin Hospital he was found to be unconscious, prompting medical staff to commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful.
He was transferred to the intensive care unit for ongoing treatment for a suspected medical event but died there on Saturday.
"The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a postmortem," Northern Territory police have said.
"The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness."
The AFP has said the man was not arrested and was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers".
Aboriginal leaders from the Top End's Daly region have expressed their communities' grief over the loss of the elder - referred to as TN after his death.
Thamarrurr Development Corporation representing Wangga, Lirrga, Wulthirri and Tharnpa peoples confirmed in a statement he was a "much loved and respected senior man, who was a mentor to us all".
"A great visionary and educator, a campaigner for a better life for his community and a respected leader, he will be greatly missed."
TN was a champion for bilingual education and had produced children's books in local tribal language.
In 2007 he took part in a racial discrimination action in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission arguing Wadeye children received less than half the school funding received by other NT children.
Then-federal education minister Peter Garrett announced the community would get a $7.7 million funding package in exchange for dropping its complaint.
Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said TN, who had been a council member, was a "quiet achiever" whose legacy would live on.
"My heart goes out to his loved ones and all mob across the Wadeye and Darwin Daly regions."
Opposition leader Selena Uibo said TN's loss would be "be felt deeply across the territory".
"He was a respected and strong leader - valued for the guidance he provided to those he worked alongside and the outcomes he helped deliver for his community," Ms Uibo said.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government recognised the "pain and grief being felt" and her thoughts were with the man's family and loved ones.
Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci said he had known TN for many years and he was "deeply saddened at his death".
"I was able to accompany him on the last day of his life, I was in the hospital with his wife and family and to pray with him and to be there with them, walking with them at this very significant time," he told the ABC.
"He believed in education as empowerment and he was an educator for many years himself.
"He was co-principal at the school at Wadeye and really contributed deeply and widely there for the education of young people."
NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
13YARN 13 92 76
Lifeline 13 11 14
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Anniversary of agony: families never give up the search for missing Australians
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Death in custody case under scrutiny as ministers meet
An Indigenous death in custody case is being closely watched by the federal government after a territory leader vigorously opposed an independent inquiry. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said ahead of a meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap in Darwin that deaths in custody had to end and the Commonwealth was deeply concerned about the issue. The federal minister for Indigenous Australians said there could be heated debate over deaths in custody and harsher youth crime laws as she met with state and territory counterparts and Coalition of Peaks members on Friday. The coalition represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community bodies comprising about 800 organisations and is a formal partner with Australian governments on Closing the Gap. Friday's meeting follows the death in custody of Kumanjayi White on May 27 after being forcibly restrained by two plain clothes officers inside a supermarket in Alice Springs. Police allege the 24-year-old, who had a mental disability and was in care, was shoplifting and assaulted a security guard. Despite multiple calls for an independent inquiry, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and acting police commissioner Martin Dole rejected the proposal, saying NT Police were the best to investigate the death. Senator McCarthy has been among those calling for an independent inquiry. When asked on Friday if the federal government might intervene and convene a national cabinet on the issue, she said "we are watching very closely". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would be briefed on the Closing the Gap meeting and its debates on deaths in custody, high Indigenous incarceration rates and tougher youth crime laws, she said. Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland was also deeply concerned about deaths in custody and would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting with state and territory counterparts, the senator said. Scott Wilson, the acting lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said outcomes for Indigenous people were improved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were properly resourced. "On the issue of youth justice and child protection, our kids are harmed by the system that should protect them," he said. The coalition wants a national strategy to address the drivers of youth detention and high number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. "That is poverty, unstable housing, racism and lack of access to services," Mr Wilson said. "Locking up 10-year-old kids isn't justice, it's a failure of policy and compassion." Deaths in custody and high incarceration rates were not accidents but outcomes of a system that needed deep systemic change, including eliminating racism in police, courts and corrections, he said. All states and territories have introduced crime crackdowns after spates of violence and lawlessness, largely involving young people. In Queensland, children as young as 10 will face adult jail time for a range of new offences after the state government in May passed its second tranche of controversial youth crime laws. The NT government recently passed tougher bail laws, which are expected to lead to a surge in the territory's prison population, including more Indigenous youth inmates. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous death in custody case is being closely watched by the federal government after a territory leader vigorously opposed an independent inquiry. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said ahead of a meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap in Darwin that deaths in custody had to end and the Commonwealth was deeply concerned about the issue. The federal minister for Indigenous Australians said there could be heated debate over deaths in custody and harsher youth crime laws as she met with state and territory counterparts and Coalition of Peaks members on Friday. The coalition represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community bodies comprising about 800 organisations and is a formal partner with Australian governments on Closing the Gap. Friday's meeting follows the death in custody of Kumanjayi White on May 27 after being forcibly restrained by two plain clothes officers inside a supermarket in Alice Springs. Police allege the 24-year-old, who had a mental disability and was in care, was shoplifting and assaulted a security guard. Despite multiple calls for an independent inquiry, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and acting police commissioner Martin Dole rejected the proposal, saying NT Police were the best to investigate the death. Senator McCarthy has been among those calling for an independent inquiry. When asked on Friday if the federal government might intervene and convene a national cabinet on the issue, she said "we are watching very closely". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would be briefed on the Closing the Gap meeting and its debates on deaths in custody, high Indigenous incarceration rates and tougher youth crime laws, she said. Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland was also deeply concerned about deaths in custody and would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting with state and territory counterparts, the senator said. Scott Wilson, the acting lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said outcomes for Indigenous people were improved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were properly resourced. "On the issue of youth justice and child protection, our kids are harmed by the system that should protect them," he said. The coalition wants a national strategy to address the drivers of youth detention and high number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. "That is poverty, unstable housing, racism and lack of access to services," Mr Wilson said. "Locking up 10-year-old kids isn't justice, it's a failure of policy and compassion." Deaths in custody and high incarceration rates were not accidents but outcomes of a system that needed deep systemic change, including eliminating racism in police, courts and corrections, he said. All states and territories have introduced crime crackdowns after spates of violence and lawlessness, largely involving young people. In Queensland, children as young as 10 will face adult jail time for a range of new offences after the state government in May passed its second tranche of controversial youth crime laws. The NT government recently passed tougher bail laws, which are expected to lead to a surge in the territory's prison population, including more Indigenous youth inmates. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous death in custody case is being closely watched by the federal government after a territory leader vigorously opposed an independent inquiry. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said ahead of a meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap in Darwin that deaths in custody had to end and the Commonwealth was deeply concerned about the issue. The federal minister for Indigenous Australians said there could be heated debate over deaths in custody and harsher youth crime laws as she met with state and territory counterparts and Coalition of Peaks members on Friday. The coalition represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community bodies comprising about 800 organisations and is a formal partner with Australian governments on Closing the Gap. Friday's meeting follows the death in custody of Kumanjayi White on May 27 after being forcibly restrained by two plain clothes officers inside a supermarket in Alice Springs. Police allege the 24-year-old, who had a mental disability and was in care, was shoplifting and assaulted a security guard. Despite multiple calls for an independent inquiry, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and acting police commissioner Martin Dole rejected the proposal, saying NT Police were the best to investigate the death. Senator McCarthy has been among those calling for an independent inquiry. When asked on Friday if the federal government might intervene and convene a national cabinet on the issue, she said "we are watching very closely". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would be briefed on the Closing the Gap meeting and its debates on deaths in custody, high Indigenous incarceration rates and tougher youth crime laws, she said. Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland was also deeply concerned about deaths in custody and would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting with state and territory counterparts, the senator said. Scott Wilson, the acting lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said outcomes for Indigenous people were improved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were properly resourced. "On the issue of youth justice and child protection, our kids are harmed by the system that should protect them," he said. The coalition wants a national strategy to address the drivers of youth detention and high number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. "That is poverty, unstable housing, racism and lack of access to services," Mr Wilson said. "Locking up 10-year-old kids isn't justice, it's a failure of policy and compassion." Deaths in custody and high incarceration rates were not accidents but outcomes of a system that needed deep systemic change, including eliminating racism in police, courts and corrections, he said. All states and territories have introduced crime crackdowns after spates of violence and lawlessness, largely involving young people. In Queensland, children as young as 10 will face adult jail time for a range of new offences after the state government in May passed its second tranche of controversial youth crime laws. The NT government recently passed tougher bail laws, which are expected to lead to a surge in the territory's prison population, including more Indigenous youth inmates. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous death in custody case is being closely watched by the federal government after a territory leader vigorously opposed an independent inquiry. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said ahead of a meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap in Darwin that deaths in custody had to end and the Commonwealth was deeply concerned about the issue. The federal minister for Indigenous Australians said there could be heated debate over deaths in custody and harsher youth crime laws as she met with state and territory counterparts and Coalition of Peaks members on Friday. The coalition represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community bodies comprising about 800 organisations and is a formal partner with Australian governments on Closing the Gap. Friday's meeting follows the death in custody of Kumanjayi White on May 27 after being forcibly restrained by two plain clothes officers inside a supermarket in Alice Springs. Police allege the 24-year-old, who had a mental disability and was in care, was shoplifting and assaulted a security guard. Despite multiple calls for an independent inquiry, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and acting police commissioner Martin Dole rejected the proposal, saying NT Police were the best to investigate the death. Senator McCarthy has been among those calling for an independent inquiry. When asked on Friday if the federal government might intervene and convene a national cabinet on the issue, she said "we are watching very closely". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would be briefed on the Closing the Gap meeting and its debates on deaths in custody, high Indigenous incarceration rates and tougher youth crime laws, she said. Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland was also deeply concerned about deaths in custody and would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting with state and territory counterparts, the senator said. Scott Wilson, the acting lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said outcomes for Indigenous people were improved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were properly resourced. "On the issue of youth justice and child protection, our kids are harmed by the system that should protect them," he said. The coalition wants a national strategy to address the drivers of youth detention and high number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. "That is poverty, unstable housing, racism and lack of access to services," Mr Wilson said. "Locking up 10-year-old kids isn't justice, it's a failure of policy and compassion." Deaths in custody and high incarceration rates were not accidents but outcomes of a system that needed deep systemic change, including eliminating racism in police, courts and corrections, he said. All states and territories have introduced crime crackdowns after spates of violence and lawlessness, largely involving young people. In Queensland, children as young as 10 will face adult jail time for a range of new offences after the state government in May passed its second tranche of controversial youth crime laws. The NT government recently passed tougher bail laws, which are expected to lead to a surge in the territory's prison population, including more Indigenous youth inmates. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14
Sky News AU
19 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Australian Federal Police send shocking email to Sydney parents about accused predator lurking among after-school care staff
The Australian Federal Police and NSW Police have sent an alarming email to thousands of Sydney parents to inform them a sexual predator, who was charged last year with more than a dozen offences, lurked among after-school care staff. More than 1000 families were contacted, 2GB host Ben Fordham revealed on Thursday. The man was charged in October 2024 and cannot be named due to strict court orders to prevent his former workplaces from being revealed and to protect the identity of victims. The AFP contacted the parents via email on Tuesday and confirmed the correspondence in a carefully worded statement on Thursday, providing specific details on the situation, alleging only a 'very small number of children' were victimised by the man. 'The letter provides instructions on how to contact a local hotline if parents or carers have concerns about their child,' the statement read. The identity, age, gender and charges laid against the offender were omitted from the email, but it is understood he was a male worker. The Daily Telegraph reported the man was charged with aggravated use of a child under 14 years old for the production of child abuse material, and possession of child abuse material, among other offences. According to the outlet, the parents contacted by email had children who attended a school-based out-of-school-hours (OOSH) centre on Sydney's upper north shore. 'I am writing to let you know that the Australian Federal Police, with the assistance of the NSW Police Force are investigating an allegation of inappropriate conduct towards children by a former employee of (the centre),' the letter read. 'Records indicate this person worked at (the centre) at the time that your child attended. 'Based on information currently to hand, Police believe it is highly unlikely the alleged behaviour of the employee directly involved your child (or children) however, we are writing to ensure you are informed of these allegations so you can continue to support your child (or children).' A father whose daughters, aged 8 and 10, attend the school's OOSH centre told The Daily Telegraph the principal of the school had only been contacted one day before parents were told. He said the principal was not told about the full contents of the email and was not informed of the nature of the offences. The father also said the school and its staff were not interviewed by police. 'The thing that really upset me in the email (from police) is that they said it was 'highly unlikely' my kids are involved, but ... how do you know if no-one's asked them?' he said. 'I think it's crazy that everyone's been told to keep quiet … Keeping it from (parents) is not the right way to go about this.' contacted the AFP who declined to provide any further information.
