Qld Govt denies rushing to prosecute Palm Is policeman

The Queensland Government has denied it is rushing to prosecute a policeman for the 2004 Palm Island death in custody.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine says a manslaughter charge against Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley may be ready to proceed by late this week, in connection with the death of a local man known as Mulrunji.

Sen Sgt Hurley's lawyer, Glen Cranny, says a review of the case was only finalised last week, and has urged Mr Shine to slow down.

Mr Shine says the lawyer can still make submissions after the case has started.

"It's certainly not abnormal in criminal prosecutions for submissions to be received from defence representation," he said.

"Usually that's after proceedings have been instituted."