The Australian Greens call for an independent inquiry into the death of 24 year old Kumanjayi White, a Warlpiri man with a disability, in Alice Springs on the 27th May 2025.
We acknowledge the profound grief and anger felt by Kumanjayi White's family, the Warlpiri and Yuendumu communities and First Nations peoples across the country.
We express our deep sorrow over his death and for the racism, violence and systematic over-incarceration of First Nations people that has led to 597 Aboriginal deaths in custody since the Royal Commission.
As stated by Leader of the Australian Greens and First Nations spokesperson, Larissa Waters:
"The Greens share in the sorrow and outrage felt at yet another First Nations death in custody, the tenth already in 2025.
"How did a hungry young man on disability support end up as yet another death in custody, and how is the nation supposed to accept police investigating themselves over this?
"The Greens condemn the Northern Territory Police's refusal to support an independent inquiry into Kumanjayi White's death.
"We have long called for independent, transparent investigations into Aboriginal deaths in custody, led by culturally safe processes and free from police or state interference.
"There must be the immediate establishment of a fully independent inquiry into the circumstances of Kumanjayi White's death, with full powers to compel evidence and witness testimony.
"We must properly resource community focused solutions led by First Nations people.
"The Greens remain committed to our work alongside families, communities and grassroots organisations to end Aboriginal deaths in custody and uphold the rights and dignity of First Nations people."
As stated by Greens Justice spokesperson, David Shoebridge:
"My thoughts are with the Warlpiri and Yuendumu communities and First Nations peoples across the country as they grieve another Black death in custody.
"The family of Kumanjayi White have called for an independent investigation into his death and an independent commission into structural racism, including police conduct and the Greens support these calls.
"We implore governments at all levels to listen to community on how to stop Aboriginal deaths in custody, and then act.
As stated by Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff
"We are at a crisis point in the Northern Territory with regular news about racism within the Police and ongoing attacks upon the rights of Aboriginal people and communities.
"Every day on average 24 First Nations people are taken into custody in the NT, a significant over representation.
"Aboriginal controlled initiatives need to be resourced properly to lead us toward real reform and justice.
