Premier Resists Calls for Coronial Inquest into Mosman Park Family Tragedy
The Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook, is resisting mounting calls for a coronial inquest into the devastating murder-suicide that claimed the lives of a family of four in Mosman Park. The tragedy has left the local community in shock and sparked urgent questions about whether it could have been prevented.
Community Demands Answers After Family Found Dead
The Clune family was discovered dead inside their Mott Close home on Friday. The victims included parents Mai, 49, and Jarrod, 50, alongside their two sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14. Both boys were severely disabled and autistic. Police reports indicate the children were likely killed by their parents, with a suicide note found at the scene forming part of the ongoing investigation.
Since the tragedy unfolded, reports have emerged suggesting that one of the boys had recently experienced cuts to their National Disability Insurance Scheme funding. This has intensified public scrutiny and calls for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading up to the deaths.
Local MP Advocates for Inquest to Prevent Future Tragedies
Cottesloe MP Sandra Brewer, representing the affected western suburbs community, has been vocal in her demand for a coronial inquest. She emphasises that her constituents are grappling with profound grief and a strong desire to understand how this heartbreaking event occurred.
"There is a deep sense of grief and concern across the community, and a strong desire to understand how and why this tragedy occurred," Mrs Brewer stated. "This is a matter of profound public interest, and as a community we should know what happened prior to this incident."
Mrs Brewer has explicitly called on Premier Cook and Attorney-General Tony Buti to direct the Coroner to hold an inquest, arguing it is essential for considering recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Government Defers to Coroner Amid Legislative Powers
Despite these appeals, Premier Cook has deferred the decision to the Coroner, stating that the Coroner is ultimately responsible for determining whether an inquest is warranted. "I understand there's speculation around NDIS support, school support and things of that nature," he remarked. "The Coroner, ultimately, is the one who's responsible for making a decision about any form of inquest."
However, under the State Coroner Act, the Cook Government and Attorney-General Tony Buti possess the authority to compel the Coroner to conduct an inquest. When questioned about potential intervention, Mr Buti did not provide a response, leaving the matter unresolved.
NDIS and Federal Government Remain Tight-Lipped
The National Disability Insurance Agency, which administers the NDIS, has declined to confirm whether funding for the Clune boys was reduced before their deaths. An NDIA spokesperson noted that the matter is under investigation by Western Australian authorities and pledged cooperation with their enquiries.
Similarly, the Albanese Government has refrained from commenting on the case. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister expressed condolences but avoided specifics, stating, "Our hearts go out to the Clune – Goasdoue family and to the whole community in and around Mosman Park during this extraordinarily difficult time." She emphasised the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.
Community Mourns as Investigation Continues
A growing floral memorial outside the Mosman Park home reflects the community's outpouring of shock and grief. Police have indicated that the children did not suffer, though the exact manner of their deaths remains unclear. As the investigation unfolds, the debate over an inquest highlights broader concerns about support systems for families with disabled children and the mechanisms for preventing such tragedies.
