Record Indigenous Deaths in Custody Spark Alarm Across NSW
The NSW State Coroner has disclosed a troubling milestone: 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody in New South Wales so far this year, the highest single-year total on record. Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan underscored that these figures are more than numbers; they represent lives lost and families enduring incomprehensible grief. In a public statement, she emphasized the need for independent scrutiny, accountability, and ongoing reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Calls for accountability and systemic reform
The Aboriginal Legal Service labeled the year’s tally a “horrifying record.” They note an additional four Indigenous people have died in police operations, framing the crisis as a preventable tragedy that demands urgent action from government, policing bodies, and the justice system. Community advocates warn that prisons and policing practices disproportionately affect Indigenous people, signaling deeper, systemic issues at play.
Over-representation in custody: the numbers tell the story
Indigenous Australians make up about 3.4% of NSW’s population, yet they account for roughly a third of the state’s adult prison population and an even larger share of youth detention. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveals that Indigenous adults are 33.4% of adult inmates, while Indigenous youth comprise about 60% of youth detainees as of June. These disparities reflect long-standing structural inequities in the criminal justice system.
Trends over five years
Coroner O’Sullivan highlighted an 18.9% rise in the number of Aboriginal people in custody over the past five years, contrasted with a 12.5% decrease for non-Aboriginal inmates in the same period. Nearly half (45.6%) of Aboriginal adults in custody were on remand or on bail refusals awaiting court, marking a 63% increase in five years. Such dynamics contribute to heightened risks and complex vulnerabilities in detention settings.
From concerns to concrete steps
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders insist that the problem is not purely about incidents in custody but about the broader systems that lead to imprisonment. The Aboriginal Legal Service argues for practical solutions—removing ligature points, addressing health needs, and ensuring accessible, culturally appropriate advocacy. Their message is clear: reforms exist, but many remain stalled on shelves, delaying progress toward safer outcomes.
Government response and independent review
The NSW government asserts it takes Indigenous deaths in custody seriously and cites ongoing safety improvements across correctional facilities, including a $16 million investment to reduce ligature points. Authorities say an external review of Indigenous deaths in custody is underway and slated to present recommendations to Corrective Services next year. Coroner O’Sullivan pledged continued independent, thorough investigations and culturally sensitive inquests that honor affected families and communities.
What comes next for communities?
As the public debate intensifies, community voices emphasize prevention, trust-building, and empowering Indigenous leadership in justice reform. The coroner’s office and external reviewers face the challenge of translating findings into tangible changes—policies, resources, and practices that can avert deaths in custody in the future. In the meantime, crisis support lines remain available for those affected by these tragedies, with services like 13YARN offering 24/7 assistance, alongside Lifeline and Beyond Blue for broader mental health support.
Support and resources
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 13YARN at 13 92 76, Lifeline at 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Immediate crisis help is essential for families navigating these difficult circumstances.
