Pressure is mounting on Police Minister Yasmin Catley to ensure an independent investigation into the death of Ballina local Lindy Lucena, following revelations that the NSW police force took 55 minutes to respond to a call for help from a man who witnessed her violent death at the hands of a partner.
Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson Sue Higginson said, ‘Lindy’s family and friends have the absolute support of the myself and the Greens for an independent investigation into police conduct on the night of the dreadful incident.
‘Police took nearly an hour to even respond to reports of a woman being beaten to death by her partner,’ she said. ‘Police are well aware of the outrage in the community with regard to domestic violence, but it’s clear NSW police are still not treating domestic violence victims with the respect and urgency that we need them to in order to save lives.
‘It’s just despairing and infuriating to think that Lindy’s life could have been saved if not for the negligence of a police officer, who drove to the site of Lindy’s death and didn’t even get out of his car to investigate.’
Dodging questions
Sue Higginson says NSW police didn’t even declare a critical incident when Lindy Lucena died, and are now dodging questions from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission into her death.
‘There is a startling culture within NSW police of disrespect and neglect towards women who are domestic violence victims,’ she said.
‘We know that dozens of currently serving police officers in NSW have been charged with domestic violence offences themselves, and several have even been convicted.
‘The police’s internal investigation has completely failed Lindy, and it’s proof that cops investigating cops just isn’t good enough when it comes to police misconduct.
‘I’m backing the calls from Lindy’s family and friends, and I have written to the Police Minister urging her to ensure an entirely independent investigation into Lindy’s death from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,’ said MLC Sue Higginson.
‘My thoughts are with Lindy’s family, friends and community as they seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman.’
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