Inquiry head resigns after Aboriginals refuse support

The head of an Australian inquiry into the abuse of children in detention resigned yesterday, four days after being appointed to investigate prison video of Aboriginal boys being abused, citing his lack of support from the country’s indigenous leaders.

The Royal Commission will now be conducted by two commissioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and retired Supreme Court judge Margaret White, Attorney-General George Brandis said.

Aboriginal leaders had said they would not co-operate with the inquiry unless they were represented on the commission.