The NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister has been accused of inaction after Hunter woman Rebecca Maher died in custody at Maitland police station last month.
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Labor says Leslie Williams did not contact the Aboriginal Legal Service, Police Minister Troy Grant or a relevant Aboriginal Land Council after Ms Maher, 36, became the state’s first Aboriginal death in custody in 16 years on July 19.
A Budget Estimates session on Monday also heard that Ms Williams had not contacted Ms Maher’s family.
Fairfax Media asked Ms Williams’ office on Monday afternoon whether she had contacted Mr Grant, an Aboriginal Land Council or the Aboriginal Legal Service about Ms Maher, but she declined to respond to the query.
“I again offer my sincere condolences to the family of Rebecca Maher,” Ms Williams said in a written response.
“A critical incident investigation and the NSW Coroner will now fully investigate the circumstance of her death.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Opposition spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said Ms Maher’s death was the most significant event involving the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio since Ms Williams became minister.
“From her testimony this morning it is clear that the minister is unwilling to confront her colleagues about Aboriginal issues within their departments,” he said.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said she had contacted Mr Grant’s office at least three times seeking a briefing from the deputy premier and Central Hunter local area commander Superintendent Craig Jackson.
“The minister’s behaviour shows a truly disgraceful lack of regard for the dignity of this woman,” she said.
“The minister cannot proclaim herself as an advocate for Aboriginal people when she is not even concerned enough to be there for them in such tragic circumstances.
“This is a terrible tragedy and the community of Maitland stands with her family.”
Police have been accused of not following protocol after Ms Maher was arrested near Cessnock in the early hours of July 19, after they received a report that she was intoxicated and wandering along the side of the road.
Since the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, police have been required to call a 24-hour Aboriginal legal liaison service hotline whenever an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is arrested.
It’s alleged Maitland police did not call the hotline on the night Ms Maher died.