Senator Lidia Thorpe has provided a short statement in response to reports that a 24-year-old disabled Aboriginal man has died after being restrained by police inside a Coles supermarket in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
"My heart is with Warlpiri mob, the Yuendumu community, and all those grieving the shocking death in custody of a young Aboriginal man in Mparntwe yesterday, who died while being restrained by police inside a supermarket.
"He was a disabled man, on the NDIS, and under state guardianship. He was hungry, and he needed care. Instead, he was met with brutal force.
"For decades, our people have called for an end to this violence — for justice, accountability, and care instead of cruelty.
"But still, our voices are ignored.
"This is not an isolated tragedy — it’s part of a brutal pattern where our people die at the hands of police and in prisons. We won’t stop speaking out until it ends.
"This has happened during National Reconciliation Week — a time meant for commitment to justice. Yet despite countless recommendations, inquiries and promises, our people continue to die in custody.
"Since 1991, at least 590 of our people have been killed by the system. How many more?
"We demand justice. We demand answers.
"And we stand with community in calling for truth, accountability, and change."