Mosman Park tragedy: Premier resists calls for coronial inquest into death of family of four

The MP for a western suburbs community left reeling over a suspected double murder suicide which claimed the life of two young autistic children is demanding a coronial inquest be held to determine if the tragedy was preventable. The Clune family, including severely disabled brothers Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, were found dead inside their Mott Close home on Friday alongside their parents, Mai, 49, and Jarrod, 50, who were discovered in another part of the property. A suicide note was left behind at the address which forms part of the police investigation. Both boys are believed to have been killed by their parents. Reports since the family tragedy was uncovered suggested one of the boys had recently had their NDIS funding cut. Cottesloe MP Sandra Brewer said her community had been left in shock by the tragedy and wanted to understand whether more could have been done to prevent the situation. “There is a deep sense of grief and concern across the community, and a strong desire to understand how and why this tragedy occurred,” Mrs Brewer said. “This is a matter of profound public interest, and as a community we should know what happened prior to this incident. “I support a coronial inquest so the community can understand what happened and consider recommendations to prevent future tragedies, and I therefore call on the Premier and Attorney-General to direct the Coroner to hold an inquest.” Premier Roger Cook is resisting the calls for an inquest into the deaths and has left it up to the coroner to decide. “I understand there’s speculation around NDIS support, school support and things of that nature,” he said. “The Coroner, ultimately, is the one who’s responsible for making a decision about any form of inquest.” However, under the State Coroner Act, the Cook Government and Attorney General Tony Buti have the power to force the Coroner to hold an inquest. Mr Buti didn’t respond to questions when asked whether he would intervene. The National Disability Insurance Agency, which administers the NDIS, has refused to reveal whether the funding for the Clune boys had been cut or reduced prior to their deaths. “This matter is currently under investigation by Western Australian authorities,” an NDIA spokesperson said. “The NDIA will work closely with the Western Australian authorities to support their enquiries or investigations.” The Albanese Government has also refused to answer questions over the Clune family’s case. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister wouldn’t say whether she would be ordering an investigation into the agency’s dealings with the boys. “Our hearts go out to the Clune – Goasdoue family and to the whole community in and around Mosman Park during this extraordinarily difficult time,” she said. “The most important thing to do now is to ensure that the investigation into this matter is able to proceed. “The National Disability Insurance Agency will provide support to the Western Australian authorities in regard to the ongoing investigation.” A flower memorial for the boys has continued to grow outside the Mosman Park home as an outpouring of shock and grief grips the community. Police believe the children didn’t suffer, but it’s still unclear exactly how they died. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636