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Elder's funeral comes as a relief

28 February 2008 - The relatives of Aboriginal elder Ian Ward who collapsed in the back of a security van while being transported from Laverton to Kalgoorlie are relieved he will finally be laid to rest, but are awaiting a forensic pathology report which will determine how the tragedy occurred.

The 46-year-old man's funeral is being held on Friday – one month after his death. The news comes as Corrective Services Minister Margaret Quirk announced an overhaul of prisoner transport services after a Government-initiated review into the case revealed a string of inadequacies.

Two funerals are expected to take place in Warburton on Friday, prompting police to call in back-up as they prepare for an influx of visitors.

Warburton police Sen. Sgt Neil Gordon said police did not expect trouble. Two police officers will be attending from Warakurna and four from the Kalgoorlie District Support group.

“I've been dealing with the family since this happened and they're angry, but there's no anger towards the police,” Sen. Sgt Gordon said.

“They're angry like anybody would be if this happened – it's not going to develop into violence. We're not anticipating any problems it's (getting in extra officers) just something we do for large funerals.”

Warburton community adviser Damian McLean said there was a feeling of relief in the community, but the funeral did not spell the end for this incident.

“The family are relieved to finally bury him, but the inquest is going to be very important,” he said.

Ms Quirk said the departmental review into the process, protocols and practices associated with prisoner transport was not an inquiry into the father of five's death, but was necessary to give the community some assurance that prisoner transport was as safe and humane as possible.

“After a stringent review of operating procedures which have duty-of-care implications, I have directed that additional measures be implemented by March 28,” she said.

“These include breaks in journeys of more than two hours' duration, physical checks and interaction with prisoners during journey breaks and new requirements for extreme climatic conditions.

“By March 14, I have directed the Department of Corrective Services to obtain advice from the WA Police to ensure everyone leaving custody is fit to travel. Handover documentation will be amended to include a fitness to travel clearance.

“By May 31, I have directed that all vehicles in the fleet must have comprehensive checks for roadworthiness and functional effectiveness by reputable accredited agents and that there will be remote temperature monitoring from the offender compartments to the staff cab and fail safe duress buttons.

“I have also directed that all options for expediting the full replacement of the fleet be considered and progressed.”

Ms Quirk said it might take some time before the forensic pathologist determines a cause of death and she sympathised those in mourning.

“I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the wife and family of Mr Ward and the Warburton community, of which he was he was an important and respected member,” she said.

LORRAE KEMP

Source: The Kalgoorlie Miner

Further information: respected Aboriginal elder Mr Ian Ward - death in custody

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