🔗 Share this article First Nations Fatalities in Custody in the Nation Reach Highest Number Since 1980 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners account for more than a third of the country's total prison population. The number of Indigenous people losing their lives while in detention in Australia has reached its peak point since official data started in 1980. Recently released data reveal that 33 of the 113 individuals who died in custody in the year leading up to June have been identified as Indigenous. This represents an rise from 24 fatalities in the previous corresponding period. Indigenous Australian people are disproportionately overrepresented in the justice system. They make up over 33% of all incarcerated individuals, even though representing less than four per cent of the country's population. These sobering numbers come to light more than three decades after a landmark inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody, which put forward numerous of proposed changes. Detailed Analysis of the Latest Figures Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody recorded 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 was in youth detention, and all except one of the deceased were male. The remaining six deaths happened in the custody of law enforcement, defined as when someone passes away while police are detaining them. The primary reason of Indigenous deaths was classified as "self-inflicted," with "illness." The report found that hanging was the method in eight of the deaths. State-by-State Breakdown The Australian state of New South Wales had the greatest number of Indigenous deaths in prison custody with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory each had three deaths. The rising number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "profoundly distressing reality," the state's coroner recently remarked. In a recent statement, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this rising pattern was not "mere statistics" and that these deaths demanded "independent and careful scrutiny, respect and responsibility." Profile Details and Expert Reaction The average age of those who died was 45 years, and eleven of the deceased were still waiting for a sentence. A university associate professor, Amanda Porter, described the figures as reflecting a "national emergency" that needs "leadership and government action." Ms. Porter, who has been present at multiple coronial inquests with grieving families, said little has changed since the 1991's national inquiry that aimed to tackle this crisis. "It's heartbreaking to witness the number of inquests I attend, the many memorials families have to attend, and the fact that we are 30 years after the royal commission, and the problem is getting increasingly worse," she commented. From the time of the landmark inquiry, a total of 600 Indigenous people have died in custody, which encompasses six in youth detention, according to the findings.