Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this Media Release contains the names of deceased persons
The National Network expresses deep disappointment and condemnation over the Queensland Coroners Court’s handling of the inquest into the deaths of Shiralee Deanne Tilberoo and Vlasta Wylucki. ‘The coroner’s decision not to open the court to allow the families to hear the findings in person, but instead to email them, is a profound disrespect to families seeking answers, truth, and justice,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘The families of Aunty Sherry and Vlasta Wylucki deserved the courtesy and respect of hearing the findings in person, at the very least,’ said Tabitha Lean.
The National Network notes the recommendations made by the coroner, particularly the suggestion that individuals should not be held in watch houses for more than 72 hours. ‘We demand to know what steps the Queensland Police Service is taking to amend their policies to align with this recommendation,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Furthermore, we call on the Queensland Government to urgently amend section 6(2) of the Corrective Services Act 2006, changing the time period in s6(2)(a) from 21 days to 72 hours, and to delete s69(2)(b) to prevent further deaths in custody,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The coroner also recommended that the Queensland Government provide additional funding to non-government organisations that support persons in custody,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘The National Network urges the Queensland Government to immediately allocate additional funding to organisations led by formerly incarcerated people, such as Sisters Inside, to enhance external accountability and transparency, ultimately saving lives,’ said Tabitha Lean.
The National Network will be vigilant in monitoring the implementation of these recommendations. ‘No one should lose their life while in prison, as tragically happened to Aunty Sherry and Vlasta Wylucki. We must ensure that no more lives are taken by this system,’ said Tabitha Lean.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.
