The president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Hugh de Kretser, has called for an end to police investigating deaths in their custody, arguing the practice breeds mistrust and lacks accountability. His statement follows the death of Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Aboriginal man with disabilities, who died on 27 May after being restrained by off-duty police officers at a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs.
De Kretser urged all Australian jurisdictions to establish independent oversight authorities to investigate deaths after contact with police, similar to the police ombudsman in Northern Ireland. He noted that while coronial inquests offer some independence, they still rely on evidence gathered by police, which can undermine public confidence.
White's family has repeatedly demanded an independent investigation, the release of CCTV footage, and for the officers involved to be stood down. They held a vigil outside the Alice Springs courthouse on Wednesday, their third since his death. The Northern Territory coroner, Judge Elisabeth Armitage, has affirmed that the mandatory inquest into White's death will be independent, fair, and rigorous.
De Kretser's comments also reference the Yoorook Justice Commission's 2023 recommendation for an independent police oversight body in Victoria, which was supported by former chief commissioner Shane Patton. The call for reform follows national rallies in solidarity with the Warlpiri community and the death of another Aboriginal man in custody in Darwin, a 68-year-old elder from Wadeye who died in intensive care after being arrested by Australian federal police.
The NT police and government have repeatedly ruled out another jurisdiction taking over the Alice Springs investigation. The inquest into White's death will be assisted by senior counsel Dr Peggy Dwyer SC and instructor Maria Walz, appointed by the coroner to ensure a comprehensive and timely process.
