Palm Island man Lex Wotton says he is ‘relieved’ following yesterday’s announcement the Queensland Government would drop an appeal against compensation for Palm Islanders.

The Federal Court last year found police were racist in their response to the 2004 death in custody of an Aboriginal man on Palm Island and during the protests that followed.

The Government says it withdrew its appeal after considering legal advice on the prospects of success.

Compensation claims from another 18 Palm Island families will be heard by the Federal Court this year.

Mr Wotton says the decision will make the process easier.