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Officer manslaughter charge ‘important step in the administration of justice’
A recent manslaughter charge against a Corrective Services NSW officer has marked a historic step forward, according to the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT.
Emma Musgrave
The family of Dwayne Johnstone and the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT have welcomed the news of the charge of the officer, following Mr Johnstone’s death in 2019. Last year the NSW Coroner referred Mr Johnstone’s death to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Corrective Services officer is due to face Lismore Local Court on 29 March 2021.
“The Aboriginal Legal Service welcomes the historic news that a Corrective Services Officer has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Aboriginal man Dwayne Johnstone. This is an important step in the administration of justice,” Karly Warner, chief executive of the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, said.
“More than 430 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the Royal Commission almost 30 years ago. While the majority of recommendations from the Royal Commission go unimplemented, we continue to see tragic and preventable deaths, including Dwayne’s.
“Aboriginal people and justice advocates have long called for independent investigations of deaths in custody, transparency and accountability. We stand by Kirsty, George and Jenny, whose love for Dwayne and hunger for justice continues to be evident throughout this long process.”
Mr Johnston’s partner Kirsty Pepper, his father George Johnstone and stepmother Jenny Johnstone also issued a statement following the charge.
“Dwayne was a much-loved partner, son and stepson. The many people who loved and cared about him are pleased to see some accountability today for his untimely death. We thank everyone who has been involved in getting to this point,” the statement read.
“We will forever remember Dwayne as a funny, bubbly rascal who was a family man at heart. He absolutely adored his partner Kirsty and would go out of his way to help people. He loved animals, enjoyed fishing, and lived life to the fullest.
“Anyone who met Dwayne would never forget him. He was always happy and shared that joy with others. We are doing our best to hold onto that joy every day.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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