The court appearance of a lawyer representing Northern Territory Police prosecutor Steven Haig has seemingly confirmed his involvement at some level in the events surrounding the death of Kumanjayi White.
On Thursday morning, NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage held the first directions hearing for the inquest into Mr White's death in the Alice Springs Local Court. The hearing also indicated Coles Supermarkets will likely appear as a party to proceedings.
Mr White, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man with a disability, died in May after being restrained by two plain-clothed NT Police officers at a Coles supermarket in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. He was living under state guardianship and in supported accommodation at the time.
Nearly five months on, no charges have been laid, and none of the officers involved have been stood down.
National Indigenous Times and other media outlets have previously reported one of the officers involved in some level on May 27 was NT Police prosecutor Steven Haig, who has continued working in Alice Springs since the incident.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole told reporters last month it was not police policy to "comment on individual officers involved," but confirmed those officers were working in "non-operational, forward-facing positions in administrative roles".
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In court on Thursday, lawyer Luke Officer sought leave to represent Mr Haig throughout the inquest. Coroner Armitage granted the request, noting she had not received any brief of evidence or related material.
"I'm not appraised as to, other than through reading media like everybody else has access to, as to his [Mr Haig's] situation or potential involvement," Coroner Armitage said.
Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Dr Peggy Dwyer SC, told the court a brief of evidence had not yet been served, saying it was "not uncommon" at this stage of proceedings.
"I wouldn't want anyone to think that that was unusual or untoward," Dr Dwyer said, adding the brief was not expected until the ongoing criminal investigation was complete.
Last month, NT Police confirmed they had received the final autopsy report into Mr White's death and that the decision on whether to prosecute now rests with the NT Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
NT Police said in a statement that investigations "remain ongoing" and that they have been "in regular contact with the family".
"The officers involved have not been charged and have not been stood down," a spokesperson said.
Coroner Armitage told the court the coronial process would be "slow, but careful and considered".
"We will continue to work consistently and thoroughly to ensure that there is a full investigation and that as much of the truth can be uncovered as possible," she said.
The court also heard from representatives for several interested parties, including Carlie Holt on behalf of Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd; George Newhouse, appearing for Mr White's grandfather and Senior Next of Kin, Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves; and representatives for Talice Security, NT Police, NT Health, and the Public Trustee.
Life Without Barriers - the organisation providing care to Mr White in the lead-up to his death - is also expected to give evidence during the inquest.
Mr White's family has repeatedly requested, and been denied, access to CCTV footage from the Coles supermarket. Speaking outside court, Mr Hargraves said the family had a right to know what happened.
A further directions hearing is expected to take place in February next year, though no specific date or timeline has yet been set for the full inquest.
