One year on and still no answers

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

One year on and the family of a Raymond Terrace woman who died in police custody 12 months ago say they're still waiting for answers.

Rebecca Maher became the first Aboriginal person in 16 years to die in police custody in NSW. The 36-year-old was found dead in a holding cell at Maitland Police Station no more than five hours after police had arrested her for appearing intoxicated on the side of Wollombi Road at Cessnock.

Fairfax reports police are still preparing a report for the Coronor.

Family Of Rebecca Maher Want Answers Over Her Death In Police Custody

BY IAN CROUCH

 The family of the indigenous woman who died in police custody at Maitland has spoken out.

Police believe Rebecca Maher was heavily intoxicated when they picked her up at Cessnock on July 19.

She was detained at Maitland Police Station where she was found dead in her cell 5 hours later.

Her family has been shown a report which says no illegal drugs or alcohol were found in her system.

It's also been revealed the 36-year-old wasn't given any medical attention.

Rebecca's mother, Debbie has told the ABC they want answers.

"Duty of care wasn't applied to Rebecca.....I asked them straight away was there medical staff brought in to it - was she assessed, and they said no," she said.

Rebecca Maher Photo courtesy abc.net.au

Minister does nothing about Aboriginal death in custody

BY JAMES BARRON

Minister for Aborignal Affairs Leslie Williams admits she has made no efforts to reach out to the family of Rebecca Maher, the Aboriginal woman who died while in police custody at Maitland Police Station earlier this year.

Rebecca Maher is the first Aboriginal to die in police custody in 16 years.

The Minister and her department has neglected to contact Rebecca Maher's family since her death on the 19th of July beyond offering her "sincere condolences" via the media.

The Minister has also failed to contact any relevant bodies such as the Aboriginal Legal Service and the Aboriginal Land Council, and is yet to speak with the Minister of Police on the matter.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison has slammed the Minister for her inaction, questioning Ms. William's claims that she is an advocate for Aboriginal people in NSW.

"The Minister's behaviour shows a truly disgraceful lack of regard for the dignity of this woman" said Ms. Aitchison.

"To see the first Aboriginal death in custody in NSW in 16 years is so significant and that's just why it's unbelievable she hasn't actually done anything."

Calls For Cell Death Inquiry

BY IAN CROUCH

 There are calls for an independent inquiry into the death of an Aboriginal woman while in police custody at Maitland.

Rebecca Maher was placed in a holding cell on July 19 after reportedly appearing intoxicated.

The family of 36-year-old is accusing police of failing to follow protocol designed to save lives.

Officers apparently didn't alert the Aboriginal Legal Service as required when she was arrested.


NSW Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris says the woman's family deserve answers.

"A thorough investigation must take place immediately to establish why proper protocol wasn't followed," he said.

David Harris