Government backs cops: Lucas stands by Police Commissioner in Doomadgee case

SMH.com.au

Acting Premier Paul Lucas is standing by Queensland's top cop in the wake of speculation a new report may recommended charges over an alleged police whitewash.

The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) will later this month release a report into the police handling of the investigation into the 2004 death in custody of Cameron Doomadgee on Palm Island, off Townsville.

News Limited newspapers have reported the CMC inquiry alleges senior police officers - handpicked by commissioner Bob Atkinson to review the original police investigation of the death - guided police witnesses in their interview answers and did not speak to some other vital witnesses.

Mr Lucas on Thursday declined to comment on the report.

"But clearly this is a serious issue and it's an issue the public wants to know that things were done the correct way and what action needs to be taken," Mr Lucas said.

Asked whether he had full confidence in the police commissioner, Mr Lucas said: "We have an excellent police commissioner in Queensland, who is honest and hardworking."

Mr Doomadgee, also known as Mulrunji, died in the Palm Island watchhouse in controversial circumstances after being arrested for drunkenness by Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley.

He was found to have broken ribs, a ruptured portal vein and his liver was split almost in two after a struggle with Sen Sgt Hurley.

The death triggered rioting on Palm Island, which included the torching of the police station and courthouse.

Senior Sergeant Hurley admitted he fell with Mr Doomadgee and that he may have inadvertently caused injury. He was acquitted of manslaughter in 2007.

Police investigations into Mr Doomadgee's death became controversial almost immediately after the incident because police known to Sen Sgt Hurley arrived on Palm Island to investigate it.

The CMC report is expected to recommend disciplinary action against a total of seven senior police officers, it has been reported.

The report is not expected to be released until after the handing down of findings of a coronial inquest into the death of Mr Doomadgee in a Townsville court on May 14.

A CMC spokeswoman declined to comment on Thursday, saying responses to a draft report were still being considered.

"It still has to go before our commissioners to be finalised," she said.

Former CMC chairman Robert Needham said in November 2009 he was not "totally happy" with the information provided by police and confirmed the report "is not going to be complimentary" of officers.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the draft CMC report was received on April 8 and the service responded by April 30.

"We are not able to comment at this time - but will do so when appropriate," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the leaking of the draft report clearly breached the CMC's secrecy laws.

A CMC spokesman said an investigation into the leak was not being considered at this time.