Aboriginal Fatalities in Detention in the Nation Hit Record Level Since the Start of 1980

The count of First Nations people dying while in custody in Australia has reached its highest point since records began in 1980.

Recently released figures show that 33 of the 113 people who passed away in custody in the 12-month period ending in June have been identified as Indigenous. This represents an increase from 24 deaths in the previous corresponding period.

Indigenous Australian people are severely represented in the criminal justice system. They constitute more than one-third of all incarcerated individuals, despite representing less than four per cent of the national population.

These sobering numbers 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 Figures

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

One death occurred in a juvenile facility, and the vast majority of the individuals were male.

The remaining six fatalities took place in police custody, defined as when someone dies while police are holding or attempting to detain them.

The leading cause of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," with "natural causes." The data found that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the cases.

State-by-State Breakdown

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

The growing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "deeply distressing reality," the state's coroner recently said.

In October, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this rising pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths required "independent and careful scrutiny, dignity and accountability."

Profile Details and Academic Response

The average age of those who died was 45 years, and eleven of the individuals were awaiting a court sentencing.

A university expert, Amanda Porter, characterised the figures as reflecting a "country-wide emergency" that needs "leadership and government action."

Ms. Porter, who has been present at multiple coronial inquests with grieving families, stated very little has improved since the 1991 royal commission that aimed to address this issue.

"It's maddening to witness the number of inquests I attend, the many memorials families have to attend, and the fact that we are 30 years past the royal commission, and the situation is getting progressively worse," she commented.

Since the royal commission, a approximately 600 Indigenous people have died in custody, which includes six in youth detention, according to the report.