Record Number of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Sparks National Outcry
Australia is facing its worst year for Aboriginal deaths in custody in nearly half a century, with a new Australian Institute of Criminology report confirming 33 First Nations deaths in 2024–25 — the highest toll since 1979–80.
The report, available here, lands 34 years after the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody delivered 339 recommendations — most of which remain unfulfilled.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe says the findings expose a national emergency unfolding in plain sight, and demands immediate federal intervention to keep First Peoples out of prisons and safe in community.
Advertisement:
“A national disgrace happening on Albanese’s watch”
Thorpe did not mince words. “This national disgrace is happening on Albanese’s watch — the highest number of our people dying behind bars in almost half a century, in a country that claims to be Closing the Gap.”
“The racist ‘tough on crime’ laws we’re seeing nationwide were always going to lead to more deaths. We warned that this would happen. When prisons are full, more of our people die.”
Thorpe said the figures reflect “violent colonialism perpetrated by hollow politicians desperate for votes and power”, accusing governments of sacrificing Aboriginal lives to appear tough on law and order.
She rejected any attempt to shift responsibility to states and territories, insisting the Commonwealth has both the constitutional authority and the moral duty to intervene.
“The Commonwealth has the constitutional power to legislate national minimum standards across the criminal legal system. Albanese must act now.”
Thorpe said the government must honour its stated intention to restrict funding to jurisdictions that drive up incarceration rates, adding that community-led alternatives are proven to be safer and more cost-effective.
“We know that prisons do not make communities safer — they create more crime in the long term. Places like Scotland are dismantling prisons and investing in community, and crime rates are falling.”
“Ending deaths in custody must be a priority for this government.”
Advertisement:
Senator Thorpe’s justice reform priorities
Thorpe is urging Prime Minister Albanese to convene an urgent National Cabinet meeting and adopt a suite of reforms designed to curb incarceration and prevent further deaths. Her priorities include:
National oversight and accountability
• Establish a national body to monitor implementation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Bringing Them Home report.
• Impose penalties on states and territories that breach Closing the Gap targets or enact laws increasing criminalisation of First Peoples.
Legislated national minimum standards for prisons and youth justice
Using the Commonwealth’s external affairs power — explained here — Thorpe wants federal legislation banning hanging points, spit hoods, solitary confinement, shackling during childbirth and end-of-life care, and the jailing of children in police watch houses.
Bail reform
Thorpe is calling for nationwide adoption of Pocum’s Law, available here, alongside investment in First Nations-controlled bail support, including culturally safe accommodation for children. She also urges implementation of the SCAG bail and remand report, linked here.
Community-led first responders
The expansion of First Nations-led crisis response teams aims to reduce harmful police contact and keep people out of custody.
Justice reinvestment
Thorpe wants long-term funding for real community-designed justice reinvestment initiatives, not short pilot programs.
Healthcare in custody
She calls for equal access to healthcare in prisons — including Medicare, PBS medicines, disability supports and culturally safe care — and for ACCHOs to be resourced to deliver prison healthcare.
Access to justice
More funding for legal services is essential, Thorpe says, to ensure First Peoples can navigate the legal system safely and fairly.
Advertisement:
Related stories
First Nations Ancient Wisdom Improves Solar Power Forecasting
National Sorry Day: Remember the Past, Bring the Babies Home
The first “Welcome to Country” ceremony in Australia
First Contact: indigenous Australians & Cook on Endeavour
Artist and Activist, Uncle Bruce Shillingsworth
Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, artist, the Pintupi Nine
Uluru Handback to Traditional Owners 40 Years On
Murujuga Art listed as Australian Cultural World Heritage site
TRUE: The Life, Art and Legacy of Kevin Gilbert (1933–1993)
It’s time to tell the truth – David Marr’s Killing for Country
Henry Reynolds Sparked a Revolution in Australian Legal History
Reconciling the Silence: Marching for the Truth on Anzac Day
The Fight for Beetaloo: Protecting Country Against Fracking
Gas Industry’s Manipulation of Traditional Owners Questioned
19th-Century Ship’s Figurehead of First Nations Woman
French and First Nations Fushion Flavours at the Scenic Rim
First Nations perspective on what should happen to native forests when logging ends
Advertisement:
