The Australian Human Rights Commission has issued an urgent call for a coronial inquest following the devastating suspected double-murder suicide of a Mosman Park family, emphasising that there is "never a justification for family violence or murder". The tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Perth community, involved the deaths of two teenage brothers and their parents at their Mott Close property last Friday morning.
Details of the Mosman Park Tragedy
Brothers Leon, aged 16, and Otis, aged 14 — both of whom had autism — were discovered deceased alongside their parents, Jarrod Clune, 50, and Maiweena Goasdoue, 49. A person known to the family, believed to be a carer, found a note on the front door warning against entering and instructing to contact police immediately. Authorities believe both boys were killed by their parents, who subsequently took their own lives.
Commissioner's Heartbreak and Call for Action
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess expressed being "heartbroken" by the incident but stressed it was crucial that the deaths of Leon and Otis not be downplayed due to their autism. "While we don't yet know all the details, it's important that the gravity of this situation is not diminished by the fact that the two teenagers were autistic and required support," she stated on Thursday.
Commissioner Kayess firmly declared that murder is "never an option" and called for a thorough coronial inquest to investigate the underlying and systemic issues that may have contributed to this tragedy. "A coronial inquest is urgently needed to ensure strong investigative powers to respond to this tragedy and to identify the underlying and systemic issues that led to the parents' actions, and to provide a sense of justice for Otis and Leon," she explained.
Systemic Failures and Support Gaps
The commissioner highlighted that recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have left many families experiencing severe distress, with reports suggesting one of the brothers had their NDIS funding cut. "We are seeing reforms that reduce supports or make them harder to access, leaving families anxious and frightened," Ms Kayess noted.
She urged governments to recognise the harm caused by these support reductions and to act urgently with transparency, accountability, and genuine involvement of people with disability and their families. "Children with disability should be equally valued in human dignity and worth," she emphasised, calling for immediate action on the 222 recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.
Political and Community Responses
Cottesloe MP Sandra Brewer this week demanded a coronial inquest to determine whether the tragedy was preventable, stating "There is a deep sense of grief and concern across the community, and a strong desire to understand how and why this tragedy occurred." However, Premier Roger Cook resisted calls for an inquest, asserting that the decision rests with the coroner, despite the WA Coroners Act granting the State Government and Attorney General the power to compel an inquest.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney addressed Federal Parliament, expressing sadness and frustration that the family's deaths had created division. "At the centre of this tragedy were two children whose lives were precious. They deserved safety, opportunity and the chance to grow into their futures," she said, urging the community to stand together and recommit to protecting every life.
Broader Implications for Support Systems
National Children's Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris referenced the Keeping Kids Safe and Well report, a 2021 Australian Human Rights Commission document outlining the experiences of children and families with disabilities. The report highlighted that families often lack adequate support to understand options for their children with disability, forcing them to navigate complex systems alone.
Commissioner Tsorbaris stressed the need to strengthen support systems to better assist children and families, particularly those with special needs. The tragedy has reignited conversations about societal perceptions of disabled people, the adequacy of family support mechanisms, and the prevention of individuals feeling isolated or without viable options.
As the community mourns this profound loss, the call for a coronial inquest remains a focal point for advocates seeking justice for Leon and Otis, and for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
