March to a different beat

On January 27, Ian Ward, a respected Aboriginal elder from Warburton, was being transported 470km in the back of a van in 42 degree heat with no working air‐conditioning, on a traffic charge.

He was given a 600ml bottle of water and a pie for the journey, the Global Solutions Ltd (GSL) officers responsible for transporting Mr Ward from Laverton to Kalgoorlie did not pause, despite recommendations from the Custodial Inspector for stops every 2 hours.

When they checked on Mr Ward, they found he had collapsed in the back of the van and he died from heatstroke shortly after arrival at the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.

Mr Ward left a wife and a young family, and was their sole support.

At his inquest the Coroner heard that Ian Ward had serious burns where he had been sitting on metal benches in the transport van.

The Watch Committee have asked the general public to join with family members of the late Mr Ward in a public protest and march to the DPC, to present the Attorney General/Minister for Corrections Christian Porter, with a letter calling for justice for Mr Ward and a list of concerns about the human rights of Indigenous detainees.

When: 12PM, Friday 3 April
Where: Stirling Gardens