Search results

Part E Profiles: Indigenous Deaths in Custody 1989 - 1996 New South Wales Victoria Queensland Western Australia South Australia Tasmania Northern Territory Other Deaths in Custody Glossary Glossary PHH Prince Henry Hospital WH Westmead Hospital CH Cooma Hospital TH Townsville Hospital RAH Royal Adelaide Hospital SUS Sobering-up Shelter JDC Juvenile Detention Centre Note: The name of a…

The deceased was serving a life sentence for murder, having been convicted on 26 April 1978. In April 1991 he was granted permission to attend the University of Tasmania to undertake a bridging course. The deceased signed an agreement which regulated his attendance at the course. He breached the agreement on 15 August 1991 when he left his authorised custodian and consumed alcohol. He was…

The deceased and another were remanded at Giles House on charges of breaking and entering offences at Papunya. They escaped from the institution and stole a vehicle. They were joined by other youths at Charles Creek Camp. One of these youths took over the driving. He lost control of the vehicle 63 kilometres east of Papunya when trying to run over a rabbit. The deceased, who was not wearing a…

One of the deaths in this section has now been acknowledged by the South Australian Government in its 1994/95 implementation report as a death in custody (A2SA). The prisoner in the case was 'released' from custody on his deathbed.

That the death occured as a result of cardiorespiratory failure as a result of pneumonia from the aspiration of fluids in the chest cavity following brain damage. The deceased was found to have contributed to his death by his excessive intake of alcohol and his neglect of his own nourishment. The attending doctor at the hospital and the police forensic surgeon were also found to have acted…

The death was the result of coronary atherosclerosis. There is no evidence which creates any suspicion that there was a causal link between the deceased being held in custody and his death.

The deceased was travelling with a friend in a car on Kloeden St, Ceduna at around 1:30am on the morning of Sunday 2 July. The car was approached by police who later stated that they were attending to a break-in in the street. The officers ran a warrant check on the pair. The friend was allowed to go but the deceased was arrested on warrants for non-payment of fines and a non-appearance on an…

Explore a report for the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in relation to Indigenous deaths in custody.

The deceased was in the psychiatric unit at Long Bay Prison. He approached a nurse on 25 July 1989 at 2.30pm and stated he was feeling ill. She gave him advice as to the illness and provided him with medication. He later approached another nurse and said he wanted to return to his cell. The nurse checked with a prison officer and he was taken to his cell at about 3.30pm. At 4.10pm he was…

The deceased had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for driving while disqualified. He was placed in what the Coroner described as an enclosed cell, in which occupant vision is impossible, at around 3.00am and told he would remain there for a period of four hours.

Paul Blackmore’s photographs illustrate this report. They depict an inspired local initiative. Five years ago the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody drew attention to the appalling conditions in police lock-ups in rural Australia. The cells in Murgon, three hours north-west of Brisbane, were typical - dirty, disgusting, depressing. Detective Sergeant Ryan and Senior Sergeant…

‘The use of the word implemented…seems entirely inappropriate as I understand the meaning of the word. The facts are that… a number of those recommendations ...have not been implemented.’

1.1 This Report uses findings of coronial inquests as a means of auditing the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

The report was made possible through the assistance of many people and organisations. The roll-call follows, but up-front I wish to acknowledge the people within my office responsible for preparing Indigenous Deaths in Custody 1989-1996: Paul Castley, Malcolm Langford and Sharon Payne, working directly with Len Wilder. Malcolm Langford deserves special thanks for his work on the methodology, the…

Explore a report prepared for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in relation to Indigenous deaths in custody and police practices.

Explore a report prepared for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission into the deaths in custody of Indigenous juveniles.

8.1 The profiles indicate a growing awareness by custodial and medical staff of issues concerning the proper treatment of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners. However, implementation of the recommendations is uneven. Some recommendations have not been implemented in any jurisdiction.