MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE OF WA (INC.)29 JULY2010
WARD EX GRATIA PAYMENT
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) has welcomed the State Government’s offer of the ex-gratia payment in the Ward matter, following what has been a very lengthy process.
“We acknowledge that in making this offer the State Government has admitted that this tragedy should never have occurred and we know that no amount of money can ever compensate for the enormous loss suffered by Mr. Ward’s family and Community” said ALSWA CEO Dennis Eggington.
Mr. Ward died on 27 January 2008 after being transported in the back of a G4S van. “What also shouldn’t be forgotten in all of this is the role of G4S in Mr. Ward’s death. Their culpability is astronomical. He died in the back of one of their vans, driven by their employees and their silence in all of this hasn’t gone unnoticed. ALSWA calls on G4S to apologise for their part in the tragic passing of Mr. Ward and to make a reasonable offer of compensation to his wife and children”.
ALSWA said that Mr. Ward’s death highlighted serious flaws in the prisoner transport system and that every measure must be taken to ensure that nothing like this could ever happen again.
“We will now consult with our client about instituting civil proceedings against the government and G4S, and ALSWA has also requested further information to determine whether an application will be made to have the Inquest re-opened.
“Mr. Ward’s family and Community have suffered so much through losing Mr. Ward. We will continue working with the family and supporting them through this difficult time” said Mr. Eggington
