Angry reactions from Aboriginal community to Rebecca Maher inquest
Channel: Green Left
Date: 2019-07-08

Brianne Curran spoke to proud Gomeroi woman Aunty Madeline McGrady and Richard Green (Gomeroi man and cousin of Eddie Murray, a victim of an earlier death in custody in Wee Waa, NSW) outside the coronial inquest into the death in police custody of Wiradjuri woman Rebecca Maher in Maitland police station in July 2016. The coroner found that Ms Maher "should not have been kept in police custody and should have instead been taken immediately to hospital". If she had, expert evidence suggests that she would not have died, she added. Despite this, the corner did not propose that any charges be laid against the police.

Aunty McGrady also made this statement:
"The coroner, and every other coroner, has had the power to stop the injustice of Black deaths in custody. I heard some comments that she opened some doors. I know one recommendation that Rebecca's case be used for Police training... I find that to be so insulting!
"I remember when Eddie Murray's case was heard in Glebe coroner's court 1982-3 the coroner stated that Eddie's death was caused by someone unknown but we also know that only police have access to the cells.
"My question is Rebecca's case any different? Still the same lame excuses to cover up for the police.
"Rebecca's Mum asked me yesterday, why weren't the police charged with murder?"