First Nations Telegraph

NATSILS is deeply saddened to learn of the death of young Noongar man in Perth’s Hakea prison on Friday. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

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There have been multiple Black deaths in custody this year, every one of those people has a family mourning their passing. Just last month, we were deeply shocked, hurt and angered to learn of the death of 16-year-old Dunghutti teenager Jai Wright, who died after a collision with a police vehicle. 

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“The news that another one of our young fullas has lost his life is absolutely gut-wrenching. This is very sad news after losing another young man - Jai Wright - just last month. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, with Jai's family, and all those living without their loved ones who have lost their lives in custody.” - NATSILS Executive Officer, Jamie McConnachie 

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Over 500 Aboriginal people have died in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991. Every single one of those people have family and community who are grieving their passing.

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We have had the solutions to end these senseless deaths for over 30 years from the Royal Commission. Governments need to urgently implement all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Pathways to Justice Inquiry, the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory and the many deaths in custody coronial investigation recommendations.

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NATSILS stand in solidarity and deep respect with all families whose loved ones have died in custody in their calls for change, justice and accountability.