Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest found
A coroner has found that the 1988 police investigation into the death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines was hindered by racism and was deeply inadequate. The initial ruling of suicide has been overturned following evidence of a flawed investigation.
Why it matters
This finding highlights systemic issues within historical police practices regarding Indigenous Australians and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of racial bias.
Don Craigie holds a photo of his nephew, Mark Haines, who was found dead on railway tracks outside Tamworth in 1988. Photograph: Simon Scott/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Don Craigie holds a photo of his nephew, Mark Haines, who was found dead on railway tracks outside Tamworth in 1988. Photograph: Simon Scott/The Guardian Indigenous Australians Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest found Coroner overturned initial police finding of suicide, saying their investigation was ‘deeply flawed, superficial and inadequate from the outset’
The article focuses on systemic racism and social justice, which aligns with a left-leaning editorial focus on institutional accountability.
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