Ombudsman slams police for wrongful arrest and search of Indigenous teen on bus
The Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman criticised the Australian Federal Police for detaining and searching a 17-year-old Aboriginal boy on a Canberra bus after mistakenly identifying him as a burglary suspect.
On 11 November 2025, ACT Police halted a bus in Canberra’s Woden suburb and, with firearms drawn, removed a 17-year-old Aboriginal passenger known as Jay, handcuffed and arrested him, believing he was linked to an aggravated burglary. Less than a minute later the mistake was recognized, leading to his release, an apology and a subsequent search that the ombudsman deemed inappropriate and likely unlawful. The Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman, Iain Anderson, faulted one outlet for not having a clear definition of “racial profiling” and for using “Aboriginal” as a physical descriptor.
Eight recommendations were issued, including adopting objective descriptors and establishing a definition of racial profiling within one outlet standards; both agencies accepted the proposals. One outlet Commissioner Krissy Barrett pledged ongoing improvement, while ACT chief police officer Scott Lee reiterated a commitment to rebuilding trust with First Nations communities.
Why it matters
The incident exposes gaps in police practice and trust with Indigenous communities, prompting reforms to prevent future wrongful arrests.
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