Spit Hoods Have Finally Been Banned In South Australia
Five years ago, Wayne Fella Morrison died in custody after correctional officers put a spit hood over his head.
South Australia has become the first place in the country to legally prohibit spit hoods after a momentous campaign from the family of Wayne Fella Morrison.
The 29-year-old Wiradjuri, Wirangu, and Kokatha man died from “potential” partial asphyxiation five years ago after the mesh restraint was placed over his head while in custody at Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide.
He was cuffed, hooded, and put into a van where he was pulled out at the other side unconscious. There’s no CCTV footage of what happened and tragically, he passed away three days later. His loved ones and the wider community have been calling for the end of its use ever since.
FELLA’s BILL IS NOW PASSED! SPIT HOODS ARE NOW PROHIBITED IN ALL PLACES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, FOR THE FIRST TIME ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA! Justice for Wayne Fella Morrison! Justice for Dylan Voller & all who’ve been killed & tortured in these hoods is yet to come! WE MUST KEEP PUSHING
— Latoya Rule 💛❤️🖤🤍 (@latoya_aroha) November 18, 2021
“Our family remained hopeful and active in pursuit of this ban when some said it wasn’t possible,” his family said in a statement. “This ban on spit hoods speaks to the preventability of deaths in custody; the preventability of Wayne’s death. We have hope that his ban will raise questions that pertain to justice for Wayne in the coronial court. No person has been held accountable for Wayne’s death as yet… Justice is yet to be seen.”
The Bill was first introduced by SA-BEST MP Connie Bonaros and was passed in the Legislative Council back in September. Advocates were concerned earlier this week it would not pass in time after a two month halt on its progress, and the looming end of parliamentary sitting days for the year this week.
At midday on Thursday Attorney General Vickie Chapman tabled Fella’s Bill for debate, which then passed in the House of Assembly. Chapman’s office told Junkee spit hoods have not been used since September, but its enshrinement would ensure it is permanently outlawed.
“Wayne will be remembered as our son and brother who changed history for the betterment of all people — what a legacy he leaves,” said his family.