"Landmark" decision to charge cop over Aborigine death

A decision to charge a policeman over an aboriginal prisoner?s death was hailed Saturday as one of the most significant events in the history of indigenous relations in Australia.

The attorney general of Queensland state, Kerry Shine, announced Friday he would bring charges against Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley over the death in custody of Cameron Doomadgee on Palm Island in November 2004.

Queensland?s Director of Public Prosecutions, Leanne Clare, sparked widespread protests last year when she ruled there was there was not enough evidence to warrant any charges, despite a coroner finding the policeman was responsible for the death of Doomadgee ? also known as Mulrunji.

Public outrage prompted an independent review by Sir Laurence Street, the former chief justice of New South Wales, which has found enough evidence to charge Hurley with manslaughter.

?It is one of the most important days in the 219 years (history) in regards to justice for the indigenous people,? Mike Reynolds, the elected representative for Townsville, near Palm Island, told public radio.

Reynolds said many people on Palm Island, where an aboriginal settlement was established in 1918, said they felt vindicated by the decision to have the case heard before a court.

The small island, with a population of about 2,000, lies about 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of Townsville, off Australia?s east coast.

Australia?s indigenous affairs minister, Mal Brough, welcomed the development but said the time for public debate was over.

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said the decision would ?return a sense of justice? for all Australians.

The Palm Island community celebrated through the night and Doomadgee?s friends said they were looking forward to having their day in court.

?I urge every indigenous people around Australia to get together on the big day,? David Bulsey, a friend of the Doomadgee family said.

However, Queensland police warned of possible action, with the police union describing officers as ?furious? at what they called ?political interference? over the case.

?Police right across the state are incensed at this political interference and over the next few days we?ll consult with them about what actions they will like to take,? union vice-president Denis Fitzpatrick said.

- AFP