An inquest into the Wieambilla shootings that claimed six lives, including those of two police officers, could be kept from examining “extremely sensitive” material.
Queensland State Coroner Terry Ryan held a second pre-inquest conference in Brisbane yesterday into the December 2022 killings.
Barrister Ian Freckelton KC, appearing for the Queensland police commissioner, applied to have several items excluded from being considered by the coroner under a claim of public interest immunity.
“The material is extremely sensitive … the risk is that its public availability would erode the capacity of those protecting us to do their jobs and assist those who have malign intentions,” Freckelton said.
Barrister Patrick McCafferty KC, appearing for more than 30 police officers involved in the incident, said he supported the material being kept from the public but argued it needed to be scrutinised directly during the inquest.
Queensland Police Union barrister Justin Greggery KC and a barrister for the families of the two deceased officers also opposed the police commissioner’s application.
Counsel assisting Ruth O’Gorman KC said a compromise could be reached in which particular material was kept by the court and viewed only by legal practitioners or in hearings closed to the public.
Ryan said he would respond to all applications for public interest immunity and non-publication orders by the end of the week.
Source Agencies
