Todd McKenzie Inquest Fundraiser
Tax deductible
We are support group fund raising for legal costs for TODD McKenzies inquest to be held in Taree on the 20.9.2021.Our goal is to provide a Barrister to represent Todd's mother June Wilkins.Todd was a 40 year old talented Artist and musician before his life was taken on the 31.7.2019 in his own home at Taree following Police intervention. We don't have the DEATH PENALTY in Australia and it isn't a crime to be mentally ill.Why then is it lawful for Police to use force,sometimes deadly force against mentally ill persons experiencing a psychotic episode when alternative methods can be utilised? All funds raised will go directly to the National Justice Project who are currently assisting June pro bono.The funds raised will provide a Barrister and expert evidence to examine the actions of the Police and make them accountable for the procedures used in Todd's case. In the past 20 years close to 50% of Police shootings in NSW have been mentally unwell persons.No one questions that Police have a duty of care to protect the public but this does not mean using force resulting in death when a mentally unwell person is contained alone in their own home.In recent times families of deceased loved ones have waited 2 years and more to gain a brief of evidence including Forensic and Ballistic reports from Police and Crown solicitors before they can examine evidence (Todd's family are yet to receive a full brief including Forensic and Ballistic reports at this time).This wait is unacceptable and only serves to punish families who continue to grieve not knowing why their loved ones were killed. Law reforms are needed to improve staffing and procedures and make it mandatory for the system to provide a statement of known facts in a timely manner,not months or years after the event.This also includes advocacy for improvement of Police training and intervention.Any surplus funds raised will be used by the Project to advocate for law reform,assist other families in similar circumstances,to provide legal representation and to train Lawyers dealing with social justice issues.You may rest assured that no administration costs will be charged by the support group and all funds raised will go direct to the National Justice Project.
Please pass on this fundraiser to your network of facebook friends and interested persons.This fund raiser will end on the 30th June,2021. Our support group is extremely grateful for your time taken to read our fundraiser and we hope that Todd's case and many others will benefit by your donations to protect and support mentally ill persons and afford greater safety for them in our community.
Please pass on this fundraiser to your network of facebook friends and interested persons.This fund raiser will end on the 30th June,2021. Our support group is extremely grateful for your time taken to read our fundraiser and we hope that Todd's case and many others will benefit by your donations to protect and support mentally ill persons and afford greater safety for them in our community.
Organizer
Neil Wilkins
Organizer
Warriwillah NSW
The National Justice Project
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically tax deductible in Australia.
