From the ABC:

Policeman to be charged over Palm Island death

The man in charge of reviewing the Palm Island death in custody case in north Queensland has found there is sufficient evidence to prosecute a police officer for manslaughter.

Former New South Wales chief justice Sir Laurence Street spent about three weeks examining Director of Public Prosecutions Leanne Clare’s decision not to lay charges against Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley over the 2004 death of Mulrunji in the Palm Island watch-house.

Ms Clare decided last year there was insufficient evidence for any prosecution.

But Sir Laurence has disagreed with her findings and Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine today instructed the Crown Solicitor to initiate prosecution proceedings.

Mr Shine has stressed that Sir Laurence’s job was not to determine whether Senior Sergeant Hurley was guilty of an offence, but rather to decide whether he should be put on trial.

The Minister for Communities and Indigenous and Torres Strait Partnerships, Warren Pitt, says Sir Laurence’s ruling vindicates the Government’s decision to order a review of the DPP’s judgement.

“Every opinion by everyone in the judicial system is always up for review or a counter argument to be put forward,” he said.

“I’ve always said if you put two lawyers in one room you’ll end up with four opinions, so nothing surprises me.”
Decision welcomed

A crowd of about 50 people cheered and cried when Sir Laurence’s findings were announced at an Indigenous concert in Townsville.

Aboriginal activist Gracelyn Smallwood says she is overwhelmed.

“This has been an historical day for black Australia and I believe that reconciliation can happen,” she said.

“Many white Australians supported us and many white people from all around the world and blacks came together and it’s a celebration and I’m just ecstatic on it.”