The family and lawyers of Dunghutti teenager Jai Kalani Wright have welcomed a decision to charge the police officer whose car collided with Jai while he rode a trail bike on 19 February 2022, leading to his death the following day.

Jai was 16 years old.

On Monday the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions announced it had charged the officer with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.

The charges came after a coronial inquest into Jai's death was paused by State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan, who referred the matter to the ODPP.

In a statement, Jai's parents Lachlan Wright and Kylie Aloua said: "We are emotional and relieved that charges have been laid."

"It's been two years without our vibrant, beautiful son beside us. He was funny, witty, and loved by so many people," they said.

"We ask our community and all of Jai's supporters to hold back on comments about the case for now while the legal process plays out. Thank you to everyone for your support over these two tough years."

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) chief executive Karly Warner said the ALS welcomed "this important step towards accountability".

"We are proud to stand with Jai's family. It is devastating to see the death of a child, a proud Dunghutti young man. The loss of Jai has rippled through our communities," she said.

"Jai is one of at least 558 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died in custody and police operations since the Royal Commission that was meant to stop this national shame."

A spokesperson for the NSW ODPP said on Monday that following a referral from the State Coroner on 8 February 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions "has provided advice as required by the Coroners Act 2009 and determined that proceedings will be taken against a known person in relation to the death of Jai Wright".

"Court Attendance Notices were filed... 19 February 2024, for offences of negligent driving occasioning death and dangerous driving occasioning death," they said.