What are the latest figures for Indigenous deaths in custody in Australia?

In the past year, 33 Indigenous people died in custody, with 26 of those in prison.

What caused the recent Indigenous deaths in custody?

The main causes identified were self-inflicted incidents and natural causes, with hanging being a cause in eight deaths.

How has the trend of Indigenous deaths in custody changed since the 1991 royal commission?

Despite the royal commission's recommendations, the situation has worsened, with 600 Indigenous people dying in custody since its findings.

Home / Crime and Justice / Indigenous Deaths in Custody Surge: A National Crisis

Indigenous Deaths in Custody Surge: A National Crisis

11 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Indigenous deaths in custody increased to 33 in the past year.
Self-inflicted causes led most Indigenous deaths, followed by natural causes.
New South Wales reported the highest number of Indigenous prison deaths.

Indigenous Deaths in Custody Surge: A National Crisis

The figures reveal a deeply concerning rise in Indigenous deaths within custody, with 33 recorded in the last twelve months. This marks a significant increase from the preceding year, highlighting a worsening trend three decades after a critical inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody. The majority of these tragic incidents, 26 in total, occurred while individuals were incarcerated in prisons.

The report indicates that "self-inflicted" causes were the primary category for these deaths, followed by “natural causes.” Hanging was identified as the cause in eight instances. The state of New South Wales registered the highest number of Indigenous deaths in prison custody, with nine, underscoring the profound distress expressed by officials over this "profoundly distressing milestone."

Experts have labelled the situation a "national crisis" requiring immediate leadership and political intervention. Despite recommendations from a 1991 royal commission aimed at addressing this issue, the number of Indigenous people dying in custody has continued to grow, with 600 recorded since the commission's findings.