🔗 Share this article

The count of Indigenous people losing their lives while in custody in Australia has climbed to its record point since official data began in 1980.

Fresh data reveal that 33 of the 113 people who passed away in detention in the 12-month period leading up to June were Indigenous. This represents an uptick from 24 deaths in the prior corresponding period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are severely represented in the criminal justice system. They make up more than one-third of all prisoners, even though comprising under 4% of the country's people.

These concerning statistics come to light over three decades after a landmark inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody, which put forward hundreds of proposed changes.

Breakdown of the Latest Statistics

Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody logged between last July and this June, 26 took place while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the previous year.

One death occurred in a juvenile facility, and all except one of the individuals were male.

The other six deaths took place in the custody of law enforcement, defined as a situation where someone dies while police are detaining them.

The primary cause of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," with "illness." The report found that hanging was the cause in eight of the cases.

Geographic Breakdown

The state of New South Wales recorded the greatest number of Indigenous deaths in correctional facilities with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory all recorded three deaths.

The rising number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "deeply distressing tragedy," the state's coroner has stated.

In a recent statement, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this upward pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths required "thorough and careful examination, dignity and accountability."

Demographic Details and Academic Reaction

The average age of those who died was 45 years, and 11 of the individuals were still waiting for a court sentencing.

A criminal law associate professor, Amanda Porter, characterised the data as representing a "national crisis" that needs "decisive action and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended several official inquiries with grieving families, stated little has changed since the 1991 national inquiry that aimed to tackle this issue.

"It's heartbreaking to witness the number of inquests I attend, the number funerals families have to attend, and the reality that we are three decades after the royal commission, and the problem is getting progressively more severe," she noted.

Since the landmark inquiry, a approximately 600 Indigenous people have lost their lives in custody, which includes six in youth detention, according to the findings.