The Queensland government has officially apologised to Palm Islanders for the violence and discrimination they were subjected to by police before, during and after riots on the island in 2004.

The apology is the second phase of a class action settlement the government agreed to which also included $30m in compensation for the actions of officers during riots sparked by Cameron Doomadgee’s death in the island’s watch house.

The apology, which was published in newspapers on Thursday, expressed deep regret for the assaults, humiliation and violence island residents suffered on the basis of their race.

“The Queensland government acknowledges that men, women and children who were assaulted, or otherwise treated illegally during this time suffered distress, humiliation and violence,” the apology reads.

“As a government, we have learned from your significant pain and suffering, and have taken significant steps to ensure that none of our citizens will again suffer discrimination at the hands of their government.”

The class action was brought by Lex, Cecilia and Agnes Wotton on behalf of 447 Palm Islanders.

Lex Wotton was sentenced to seven years in prison for inciting the riots that saw the watch house, and the home of Doomadgee’s arresting officer, Chris Hurley, torched. Wotton was released after spending two years in jail. Hurley was originally charged with manslaughter over Doomadgdee’s death but he was later acquitted.

In ruling in favour of the class action, the federal court justice Debbie Mortimer said the conduct of some police officers at the time had contravened the Racial Discrimination Act and were unlawful.

The Queensland Police Union has previously strongly rejected assertions its members did anything wrong and said police officers serving on the island at the time deserve an apology.

Doomadgee, who has been referred to as Mulrunji for cultural reasons, died aged 36 in a Palm Island police cell on 19 November 2004 after being locked up for being drunk and a public nuisance. Rioting broke out a week later when autopsy results were announced and police denied responsibility.