National Network slams coroner's handling of inquest for Shiralee Tilberoo and Vlasta Wylucki

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published July 19, 2024 at 3.00pm (AWST)

The National Network has condemned the Queensland Coroners Court's handling of the inquest into the deaths of Shiralee Deanne Tilberoo and Vlasta Wylucki.

Activist Tabitha Lean criticised the decision to email the findings to families instead of presenting them in person, calling it a profound disrespect to those seeking answers and justice.

"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," Ms Lean said.

"The families of Aunty Sherry and Vlasta Wylucki deserved the courtesy and respect of hearing the findings in person, at the very least."

The Network noted the coroner's recommendation against holding individuals in watch houses for more than 72 hours.

She demanded clarity on the Queensland Police Service's actions to align with this.

"We demand to know what steps the Queensland Police Service is taking to amend their policies to align with this recommendation," Ms Lean said.

She also called for urgent amendments to the Corrective Services Act 2006, reducing the time in section 6(2)(a) from 21 days to 72 hours and removing section 69(2)(b) to prevent further deaths in custody.

Ms Lean highlighted the need for increased funding to NGOs supporting those in custody.

She urged the Queensland Government to allocate funds to organisations led by formerly incarcerated people, such as Sisters Inside, to enhance accountability and transparency.

"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," she said.

The National Network will monitor the implementation of these recommendations to prevent further deaths in custody.

"No one should lose their life while in prison, as tragically happened to Aunty Sherry and Vlasta Wylucki," Ms Lean said.

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