Statement attributable to Australia’s first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this media statement contains a name of a deceased person.
Today’s coronial findings into the death of Cleveland Dodd confirm what his family, community and advocates have known from the beginning: Cleveland’s tragic death was preventable. Even more seriously, it shows that the systems designed to protect him failed catastrophically.
Cleveland was a 16-year-old Yamatji boy with dreams, talent and a family who loved him. He died in state care. But care is a euphemism. Cleveland was locked in a cell for more than 22 hours a day, denied water and fresh air and dignity. The conditions Cleveland was held under contravene the human rights standards Australia has committed to. No child deserves this.
The Coroner’s findings lay bare a system in crisis: institutional abuse, cruel and degrading treatment, and a facility described as a “war zone” by the very people who ran it.
I extend my deepest respect to Cleveland’s mother Nadene, his father Wayne, his grandmother Roslyn, and all who have fought for truth and accountability. Their strength throughout this process has been extraordinary
As National Commissioner, my position is clear. No child should ever be held in an adult prison.
The 33 recommendations made by the Coroner demand urgent action, including the immediate closure of Unit 18. But recommendations without implementation are just words. We have seen too many inquiries, too many reports, and too many recommendations gather dust while our children suffer.
Cleveland’s death must be a turning point. We need to reform our systems so we can prevent further catastrophic deaths. We owe him - and every child in detention - nothing less.