Skip to content Share Article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn CASWA backs inquest call into deaths of three children By Peter Rowe September 2, 2026 The Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia has added its weight to a growing chorus of voices calling for a coronial inquest into the deaths of three Aboriginal children in Port Hedland in 2022, saying their family deserves truth and transparency.
In a heart-wrenching case that has rattled the community of Port Hedland, Western Australia, the demand for a coronial inquest into the tragic deaths of three young children is gaining momentum. The incident, which occurred in 2022, has left many questions unanswered, and it seems that the only way to find some semblance of clarity is through a formal inquiry.
At the center of this call for justice is the children’s grandmother, Dorothy Papertalk, who has taken up the mantle of advocate with a determination that would make even the most seasoned campaigners proud. Imagine a grandmother armed not with cookies and knitting needles, but with a fierce resolve to uncover the truth about her grandchildren’s deaths. It’s both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Dorothy’s fight is not a solo endeavor. She has garnered the support of Federal Aboriginal Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, who has publicly backed the need for an inquest. It’s refreshing to see a politician step up to support a cause that truly matters, rather than getting caught up in the usual political theatrics. McCarthy’s involvement adds a significant weight to the campaign as it highlights the need for accountability and transparency in cases involving Indigenous families.
So, what exactly happened in Port Hedland? The details are murky, and that’s part of the problem. The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of the children’s deaths is frustrating for the family and the community. It’s like trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing, and the ones you do have don’t seem to fit anywhere. An inquest could bring to light the events leading up to that tragic day and help identify any systemic issues that contributed to this loss.
The pressure is building, and it’s not just from Dorothy and McCarthy. Local media outlets have been covering the story extensively, amplifying the voices of those calling for an inquiry. The Brisbane Times, The Age, WAtoday, and the Sydney Morning Herald have all reported on this unfolding situation, proving that when it comes to justice, the more voices that join the chorus, the better.
As the calls for an inquest grow louder, it’s a reminder of the importance of community support in advocating for justice. It’s not just about one family’s grief; it’s about ensuring that tragedies like this don’t happen again. The community’s response shows a collective yearning for answers and a commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
In a world where it often feels like justice takes a back seat to bureaucracy, the push for this inquest is a necessary step. It’s a chance for the truth to emerge, for healing to begin, and for the memory of the children to be honored. While the road ahead may be long and fraught with challenges, the unwavering spirit of Dorothy Papertalk and her supporters serves as a beacon of hope.
So, let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s support the call for an inquest, not just for the sake of the children who lost their lives too soon, but for all families seeking justice in the face of tragedy. After all, we owe it to them to find out what really happened and ensure that such heartbreak doesn’t become a common narrative.
Inspired by: “Pressure grows for inquest into Port Hedland triple murder” (r/Local)