AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2005
Qld: Beattie snubbed on Palm Island
Premier PETER BEATTIE has been snubbed while opening a new community centre in the
troubled north Queensland indigenous community of Palm Island.
Defying requests to stay away from the island, Mr BEATTIE, three ministers and Police
Commissioner BOB ATKINSON travelled to the island to officially open a new $5.5 million
community centre.
The centre is operated by the Police Citizens Youth Club.
His trip was made despite requests by the community for political figures to stay away
until the completion of a coronial inquiry into the death of MULRUNJI DOOMADGEE.
The inquiry is due to formally begin on February the 28th.
Riots broke out on the island in November after 36-year-old MULRUNJI died from severe
injuries while in police custody last November.
Aboriginal leader and DOOMADGEE family spokesman BRAD FOSTER says Mr BEATTIE and his
entourage were met with silent, peaceful protest, with only a handful of people attending
the centre opening.
AAP RTV nt/sc/wz/ea
KEYWORD: PALM (BRISBANE)
2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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