The number of Indigenous people who have died in custody in Australia has now hit the highest level since records began in 1980. New data from the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that over the past year, 33 of the 113 total deaths in custody were Indigenous—up from just 24 the previous year.
Indigenous communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are notably overrepresented in the criminal justice system, comprising more than a third of the prison population, while making up less than four percent of Australia's total population. This situation highlights the urgent need for reforms and systemic change.
Of these recent deaths, 26 occurred in prison custody, an increase from 18 the year prior, and one occurred in youth detention—significantly, all but one of these individuals were male. Six others died in police custody.
The leading causes of death were categorized as self-inflicted, followed by natural causes, with hanging being reported in several cases. New South Wales (NSW) recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody, followed by Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
NSW state coroner described the rising number of deaths as a profoundly distressing milestone, and experts are calling for immediate and thorough scrutiny of these incidents to prevent further tragedies. The average age at death was reported as 45, with many victims awaiting sentences at the time.
Amanda Porter, an associate professor of criminal law, expressed concern over this continuous trend, arguing it signifies a national crisis demanding political leadership and decisive action. She noted it is maddening to observe that after three decades of recommendations following a royal commission, the situation remains dire, with over 600 Indigenous Australians having died in custody since then.
Indigenous communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are notably overrepresented in the criminal justice system, comprising more than a third of the prison population, while making up less than four percent of Australia's total population. This situation highlights the urgent need for reforms and systemic change.
Of these recent deaths, 26 occurred in prison custody, an increase from 18 the year prior, and one occurred in youth detention—significantly, all but one of these individuals were male. Six others died in police custody.
The leading causes of death were categorized as self-inflicted, followed by natural causes, with hanging being reported in several cases. New South Wales (NSW) recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody, followed by Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
NSW state coroner described the rising number of deaths as a profoundly distressing milestone, and experts are calling for immediate and thorough scrutiny of these incidents to prevent further tragedies. The average age at death was reported as 45, with many victims awaiting sentences at the time.
Amanda Porter, an associate professor of criminal law, expressed concern over this continuous trend, arguing it signifies a national crisis demanding political leadership and decisive action. She noted it is maddening to observe that after three decades of recommendations following a royal commission, the situation remains dire, with over 600 Indigenous Australians having died in custody since then.
