The latest figures on Aboriginal deaths in custody present a confronting reminder of ongoing challenges within Australia's corrections system

The latest figures on Aboriginal deaths in custody present a confronting reminder of ongoing challenges within Australia's corrections system, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform and advocacy.

As someone who served as a prison officer from the early 1990s through to the 2000s, and later as State Secretary and President of the Queensland Prison Officers Association and Australian Prison Officers Association, I've witnessed firsthand many systemic inadequacies in the custodial management of Aboriginal prisoners.

Regular discussions with the late Neville Bonner, during his visits to the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in his capacity as the Official Visitor, profoundly shaped my understanding and approach to human rights advocacy.

My journey towards becoming an Employment and Human Rights advocate, guided by influential figures like Neville Bonner and my former Prison General Manager Greg Howden, has been focused on addressing these systemic issues and advocating for practical and meaningful reform. It has been my mission to develop strategy, gather evidence and now push for changes that not only safeguard Aboriginal prisoners but also actively prevent these tragic and avoidable deaths.

According to the latest report, the number of Aboriginal deaths in custody remains disproportionately high relative to the total prison population. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals are overrepresented in custody, and this imbalance highlights underlying issues related to treatment, healthcare, and the broader criminal justice system.

Applying the Laminar Principle to assess these recent findings, we structure our response as follows:

Identification and Acknowledgment:The report confirms the continued high rates of deaths in custody among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners, which demand immediate attention and action.

Understanding the Causes:Systemic factors such as inadequate healthcare, lack of cultural competency in custodial management, and insufficient risk assessment procedures have contributed significantly to these deaths. This highlights the ongoing gaps in training, awareness, and operational practices within correctional institutions.

Implementing Reforms:Immediate implementation of culturally sensitive training for correctional staff, consistent health assessments, and enhanced monitoring systems to identify at-risk prisoners are crucial. My experience underscores the need for direct and meaningful involvement of Aboriginal communities in shaping these reforms.

Monitoring and Review:Continuous and transparent monitoring of custodial practices, with regular public reporting, is essential to ensure accountability and effective change.

A Call to Action – Grassroots Advocacy Service:To tackle these challenges comprehensively, we urgently call for dedicated funding to develop a meaningful, grassroots advocacy service specialising in assisting families of at-risk and deceased prisoners. Families often face significant hurdles navigating complex legal and administrative systems following a tragedy. This proposed service will provide essential support, guidance, and representation for these families, helping them seek justice, accountability, and meaningful systemic change.

This advocacy service will be rooted in community knowledge, trust, and cultural awareness, ensuring that families receive appropriate, timely, and empathetic support. The establishment of such a service not only addresses an immediate and pressing need but also creates a vital resource for preventive advocacy, raising awareness, and driving sustained reform within the corrections system.

Through NATSIC-AS, we remain committed to advocacy aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating Aboriginal deaths in custody. My qualifications, which I pursued with inspiration from figures like Neville Bonner and Greg Howden, equip me to push forward informed and practical solutions. It is vital we address these challenges collectively, advocating for a system that respects and safeguards the dignity, health, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

From this date, we will be introducing a regular feature article on the rates, causes and reports into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody to help bring about change.

Brian AJ Newman, LLB

Employment and Human Rights Advocate