Supreme Court overturns Malu Sara disciplinary action

The Supreme Court in Queensland has overturned disciplinary action against a police offer whose misconduct contributed to the death of five people in the Malu Sara tragedy.

Malu Sara was launched in the Torres Strait in 2005 and sank six weeks later.

The court found a tribunal erred in a decision to demote the officer for two years from the rank of sergeant to senior constable.

Two immigration officers, two women and a child died when the patrol boat sank in the Torres Strait in 2005

Sergeant Warren Flegg was in charge of the search and rescue operation and the coroner found his incompetence contributed to the accident.

Queensland correspondent Stefan Armbruster says the court has now found the tribunal had made an error in law.

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