Dominic Perrottet says ‘strong action’ should be taken if police misbehaved in the arrest of elderly Sydney protester Danny Lim.
Mr Lim was arrested at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney on Tuesday after allegedly refusing to comply with a notice to vacate.
Video of the encounter showed him being forced to the ground headfirst, before police dropped the arrest after realizing the 78-year-old’s face was bleeding and h
He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital and later diagnosed with head injuries and a subdural hematoma.
Mr Lim was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning, his lawyer Chris Murphy wrote on Twitter.
The arrest will be subject to an internal review, which will be independently overseen by the state Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
The Prime Minister said he supported the investigation and wanted action to be taken if it was found that wrongdoing had been committed during Mr Lim’s arrest.
“I think the LECC oversight is quite appropriate,” Perrottet told reporters.
“If bad things have happened, I expect the strongest action. The LECC has a purpose. It is an independent body.
“He will oversee this investigation. I believe that is the appropriate course of action.”
It comes after reports of an internal investigation sparked criticism and a protest at Surry Hills Police Station on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Police Minister Paul Toole later clarified that an internal investigation would be independently overseen by the commission.
The commission said it had begun using its surveillance powers to follow the police investigation into his contact with Mr Lim on Tuesday, including the use of force.
The commission has the power to be present at police interviews, to access the police misconduct database, to access all footage relevant to the investigation, to discuss the investigation with the police and ask for progress reports.
He is also empowered to take over the investigation at any time if he has concerns about NSW Police’s handling of the investigation.
