By Trend News Line 2024-07-05 03:08:21.
Police Van Removed from NAIDOC Event
A police van was recently removed from a National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) event in Brisbane after complaints of inappropriate behaviour by police liaison officers. The incident occurred at a family fun day in Inala, where witnesses claimed that officers were allowing children to take turns pretending to be police and criminals, with some kids even being placed in the back of the van.
Community Outrage
Local resident Chelsea Watego, who is a professor of Indigenous health at Queensland University of Technology, expressed her outrage on social media after witnessing the incident. She posted a picture of the van with its back door open, condemning the police for their actions. Watego highlighted the irony of police liaison officers, who were supposed to reduce the hyper-incarceration of Indigenous people, engaging in activities that normalized the experience of being in custody.
Police Response
Queensland Police defended their presence at the event, stating that officers had been invited to participate and had a vehicle on display as part of a “hands-on” experience for the community. They claimed that the use of the police van had been approved for community engagement. However, after a member of the public raised concerns about children being placed in the van, a liaison officer immediately removed the vehicle from the event.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
The incident has sparked a conversation about the over-representation of Indigenous children in the justice system in Queensland. A recent report by the Child Death Review Board revealed that the state has the highest number of children behind bars in the country. First Nations children are significantly over-represented in youth justice supervision and detention, with Indigenous kids aged 10-17 being 21 times more likely to be under youth justice supervision and 23 times more likely to be in detention compared to their non-Indigenous peers.
NAIDOC Week Celebration
NAIDOC Week is an annual observance in Australia that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is “Keep the Fire Burning – Blak, Loud, and Proud,” highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. The event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous people and to promote reconciliation and unity.
Call for Change
The incident at the NAIDOC event has reignited calls for police reform and greater cultural sensitivity in law enforcement. Community members are demanding accountability from the Queensland Police and advocating for measures to address the systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous people. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a catalyst for positive change and dialogue between the police and Indigenous communities..
“QLD cops criticized for allowing children to act as offenders”
“Queensland police under fire for allowing kids to role-play as criminals”.