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The count of Indigenous people dying while in custody in Australia has reached its highest point since the beginning of official data started in 1980.

New data show that 33 of the 113 individuals who died in custody in the 12-month period leading up to June have been identified as Indigenous. This marks an increase from 24 deaths in the previous corresponding period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain severely overrepresented in the criminal justice system. They constitute over 33% of all incarcerated individuals, despite representing under 4% of the national population.

These disturbing figures emerge more than three decades after a landmark inquiry into First Nations deaths in custody, which made hundreds of proposed changes.

Detailed Analysis of the Recent Figures

Of the 33 Aboriginal deaths in custody recorded between last July and this June, twenty-six occurred while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the prior year.

One death was in youth detention, and the vast majority of the individuals were men.

The other six deaths happened in the custody of law enforcement, defined as when someone passes away while police are holding or attempting to detain them.

The main reason of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," followed by "illness." The report noted that hanging was the method in eight of the deaths.

State-by-State Breakdown

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

The increasing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "profoundly distressing tragedy," the state's chief medical examiner has said.

In a recent statement, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this rising trend was not "just statistics" and that these deaths required "thorough and careful examination, respect and accountability."

Demographic Details and Expert Reaction

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

A criminal law expert, Amanda Porter, characterised the data as reflecting a "national emergency" that requires "leadership and government action."

Ms. Porter, who has been present at several official inquiries with bereaved families, said little has improved since the 1991's royal commission that aimed to address this crisis.

"It's heartbreaking to witness the quantity of inquests I attend, the number funerals families have to attend, and the reality that we are three decades after the inquiry, and the situation is getting increasingly more severe," she commented.

Since the royal commission, a approximately 600 Indigenous people have lost their lives in detention, which encompasses six in juvenile detention centers, as per the findings.