We are not going away Rally outside Parliament House calls for justice for JC

Blood red handprints were left on the steps of Parliament House on Thursday as around 150 people, including Australian TV star Ernie Dingo, protested the acquittal of a police officer who fatally shot an Aboriginal mother in Geraldton.

It was part of a national day of action organised to express frustration and sadness over the death of the 29-year-old Yamatji woman, known as JC, who was shot in the stomach while armed with a bread knife and a pair of scissors in 2019.

Ernie Dingo comforts JC’s sister. Credit:Sarah Brookes

Yamatji man and Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Services chairman Sandy Davies read a list of demands to reduce the number of indigenous people in custody including posting psychologists at police stations and court houses to assess those in custody.

“There is not a jury in this state who will ever have the nerve to convict and fine a police officer guilty,” he said.

“We want change, we don’t want to talk, we demand justice when Aboriginal people go to court.

“We need to make sure that this government listens to us. We are not going away. We want change.

“If the government ministers don’t come and meet with us we will come back here.”

JC’s older sister Bernadette Clarke spoke to the crowd and said she would take the fight for justice to Canberra.

“We all have to be together on this,” she said.

“My sister needs justice.

“My sister deserves to rest in peace in a proper manner.

“This officer killed my sister and walked free.

“I am angry that we are here at Parliament today and no one wants to answer to us.

“We are taking this to Canberra next. We will march all over Australia for JC.”

Earlier in the day Premier Mark McGowan said it was a highly charged situation and he understood the angst and frustration.

JC’s sister Bernadette Clark addresses the crowd.Credit:Sarah Brookes

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said he had spoken to the acquitted officer and he wanted to continue working in the police force.

“We’ll work our way through an assessment there in terms of any re-training and how we can actually proceed the way through that,” he said.

Mr Dawson said they were continuing to engage with JC’s family.

“I’m well aware emotions are running high,” he said.

“My appeal is for leaders in the community to stand strongly, and stand sensibly against anyone committing any unlawful acts.

“And we will walk with people as this very tragic event has impacted on the immediate family, and there are broad issues there that we will continue to work with Aboriginal people.”

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