The Mayor of Palm Island in north Queensland has slammed the State’s police force for their claims that public fighting or brawling in the streets is the Aboriginal way of life.
Footage of women fighting each other in a street of Aurukun made its way through the media this week also showing up to five police officers spectating as the fight carried on.
The Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Taylor denied that officers condone the behaviour.
He says it’s a complex situation and suggested its normal in First Nations communities, that a ‘fair fight’ is usually what the family use to resolve issues.
Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey says he is appalled and the authorities need to wake up to themselves.
Image: The ABC