Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are far more likely to be a target of the police or justice system, and be harmed or die after coming in contact that system than their non-Indigenous counterparts, says Queensland Greens State MP, Michael Berkman.
“Queensland authorities are happy to promote their ‘recognition’ of Indigenous culture as part of the public relations exercise surrounding the Commonwealth Games.
“The Queensland Police are happy to wear Indigenous uniforms during NAIDOC week.
“But nothing is done about the continued brutalisation of young Indigenous men and women at the hands of the prisons and the police.
“Indigenous protesters have a right to protest the Commonwealth Games.
“Sovereignty was never ceded, Aboriginal people are and always will be the traditional owners of the land.
“The horrific news that Mr Voller is being harmed again by the judicial system is another reminder that the brutal legacy of colonial invasion continues”.
Media contact: Alice Lethborg (0409040211)