Doomadgee inquiry highlights cultural barriers in courts
As the second day of a preliminary hearing into the death in custody of Palm Island man Mulrunji Doomadgee comes to an end, there have been calls for Indigenous witnesses to be provided with interpreters. The suggestion is one of many that would make court processes more sensitive to the cultural needs of Aboriginal participants. The three-day hearing being conducted in Brisbane is expected to build a framework for the second inquest to be held into the Palm Island death. The first inquiry was abandoned after State Coroner Michael Barnes stood aside following accusations of bias. The new inquiry is being heard by deputy state coroner Christine Clements – and the directions hearing has begun with the media under strict limits as to what may be reported.