The number of Indigenous people dying while in custody in Australia has climbed to its record point since records started in 1980.
New statistics reveal that 33 of the 113 individuals who passed away in custody in the 12-month period leading up to June have been identified as of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This marks an uptick from 24 deaths in the previous corresponding period.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately represented in the justice system. They make up over 33% of all prisoners, even though representing under 4% of the national people.
These disturbing numbers emerge over three decades after a seminal inquiry into First Nations deaths in custody, which made numerous of proposed changes.
Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody recorded between last July and this June, 26 took place while in prison custody, which is an rise from 18 in the previous year.
A single death occurred in youth detention, and all except one of the deceased were men.
The other six fatalities happened in police custody, defined as a situation where someone passes away while police are holding or attempting to detain them.
The main cause of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," followed by "illness." The data found that hanging was the method in eight of the cases.
The Australian state of New South Wales recorded the greatest number of Aboriginal deaths in correctional facilities with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory each had three deaths.
The increasing number of First Nations deaths in custody in New South Wales is a "deeply distressing milestone," the state's chief medical examiner has stated.
In a recent statement, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this rising pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths demanded "independent and careful scrutiny, respect and responsibility."
The average age of those who died was 45, and 11 of the individuals were awaiting a court sentencing.
A university expert, Amanda Porter, described the data as representing a "country-wide crisis" that needs "leadership and government action."
Ms. Porter, who has been present at several coronial inquests with bereaved families, stated little has changed since the 1991's royal commission that was established to tackle this issue.
"It's infuriating to witness the number of inquests I attend, the many memorials families have to attend, and the reality that we are 30 years past the inquiry, and the problem is getting progressively worse," she noted.
Since the royal commission, a total of 600 First Nations people have lost their lives in custody, which includes six in juvenile detention centers, as per the findings.
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