Legal Counsel for Kumanjayi White's Family Accuses DPP of Inconsistent Justice in MP Case

The attorney for the family of Kumanjayi White

The attorney for the family of Kumanjayi White has voiced sharp criticism over the handling of an assault case involving a Labor parliamentarian, alleging that the Northern Territory's top prosecutor applied a double standard by referring the matter to federal authorities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the lawyer argued that the decision by the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to transfer the case against the MP to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions marked a departure from standard practice. The move, they contended, suggests that political figures receive preferential treatment compared to ordinary citizens facing similar charges.

White, an Indigenous man who died in 2019 during a police arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu, has been the subject of a prolonged legal battle. His family has repeatedly sought accountability and transparency in the judicial process, and this latest development has reignited concerns about systemic inequities within the NT justice system.

The lawyer emphasized that while the DPP holds

The lawyer emphasized that while the DPP holds discretion in case management, the lack of clarity around why this particular matter was escalated to the Commonwealth level undermines public confidence in impartiality. They called for a full explanation of the criteria used in making the referral.

Meanwhile, legal experts have noted that referrals between jurisdictions are not uncommon, but they typically occur under specific statutory conditions. The absence of such justification in this instance, the family's counsel argued, heightens suspicions of undue influence.

As the case unfolds, the family has reiterated their demand for a thorough and independent review of all decisions related to both White's death and the MP's alleged assault. They hope that a transparent process will restore faith in a system they believe has failed them at multiple turns.

The NT DPP has not yet responded publicly

The NT DPP has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, though sources suggest an official statement may be forthcoming in the coming days.