Update on Public Recommendation 12

For the reasons outlined in Chapter 8, I recommend that within three months of the publication of this Report, the NSWPF provide a public update as to the implementation of Recommendations 10 and 11 and the anticipated timeframe for the completion of Recommendations 10 and 11.

Update on implementation and completion timelines for Public Recommendations 10 and 11

The NSWPF acknowledges the findings and the significant work undertaken by the Special Commission. NSWPF is deeply committed to learning from the Special Commission’s findings. NSWPF recognises the victims of the historical deaths considered by the Special Commission and the enduring pain and suffering experienced by their families and loved ones. The courage and resilience shown by these families in their pursuit for truth and justice is profoundly acknowledged and respected by NSWPF.

The Cabinet Office is preparing the NSW Government’s response to all the recommendations, in consultation with several NSW Government agencies involved in the Special Commission’s Report.

The NSWPF has commenced Taskforce Atlas under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM to oversee implementation of the NSWPF related recommendations from the Special Commission. NSWPF is committed to a thorough and considered response to each recommendation directed to NSWPF.

The NSWPF provides the following update in response to Public Recommendation 12 of the Special Commission’s report:

In relation to Public Recommendation 10, the NSWPF has established a working group through Taskforce Atlas to develop a process for conducting the recommended systematic review or audit of the several hundred unsolved homicides pertaining to the period 1970 to 2010, including the methodology, criteria and required resourcing for the audit or review. This process requires careful consideration, and will inform the anticipated timeframes for completion.

This process will also inform anticipated timeframes for the completion of Public Recommendation 11 in relation to identifying exhibits to be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in the light of possible technological advancements following the audit / review process outlined in Public Recommendation 10.

NSWPF will provide a further update on these anticipated timeframes as part of the NSW Government Response to the Special Commission by the middle of this year.

The NSWPF Unsolved Homicide Team otherwise continues to carry out its important work conducting investigations into historical unsolved murders, suspicious deaths and disappearances.

Again, the NSWPF reiterates its commitment to learning from the findings outlined by the Special Commission.

LGBTQIA+ Consultative Committee

Statement from Barry Charles

Statement from Barry Charles delivered at Qtopia (previous site of Darlinghurst Police Station) at the first LGBTQIA+ Consultative Committee 25 June 2024.

46 years ago, on the morning of 25th June 1978, a Sunday, in the cells below, a number of men remained in custody; still trying to engage legal counsel, contact relatives and friends to arrange their release. A similar number of women, in fact more, were in a similar position at Central Police Station having been transported there in the early hours of the morning.

The previous night, what became known as the First Mardi Gras occurred on Oxford Street.

A permit issued, lawful celebratory parade down a designated route, to mark the end of a week of conferences and planning to push for reform of anti-gay laws.

This parade was unlawfully curtailed right at the moment it was to enter the pre-determined rally point in Hyde Park, thus ending any further traffic congestion on the street.

What followed was a shameful night in the history of the city.

Less than 3 weeks ago, on 6th June 2024 the entire NSW Parliament declared that the laws that existed before 1984 were wrong.

The campaigners on the night of 24th June 1978 were right.

Things had to change.

The stroke of a pen on 6th June 1984 did not make everything right.

In the 40 years since we have all had to take responsibility for building on the law change. To over time change the attitudes and culture of our society, to grant equality before the law for LGBTQIA+ persons.

The NSW Police have an important role in setting the tone for that change in our culture.

Today we have a chance to see if the NSW Police are showing leadership in progressing that aim.

And that the LGBTQIA+ Community are entitled to equality, respect, protection and justice from our Police.