2021-05-04
The family of the young Aboriginal man assaulted by police in Ward Park, Surry Hills, in June last year are a step closer to justice today, with the NSW Police Force announcing the officer was today charged with the offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
However one charge against a junior officer will not change the culture of NSW police and broader accountability and change is needed.
Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
"It is a welcome outcome to see these charges laid and now the courts will decide the matter.
"It should not have taken a year to get to this stage.
"The reason we have seen a measure of accountability in this case is because the violence was captured on video, and the Black Lives Matter movement has made the demands for justice so much stronger.
"I remain concerned that there has been no action taken against the numerous police who stood beside the officer and failed to intervene to protect the teenager.
"One prosecution will not change the culture of the NSW Police and will not deliver the change needed to keep First Nations people safe from police.
"My thoughts today are with the family who have seen their son and brother attacked in public by someone whose job was to protect him," Mr Shoebridge said.