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The tally of First Nations people losing their lives while in custody in Australia has climbed to its highest point since records started in 1980.

New statistics show that 33 of the 113 individuals who died in custody in the 12-month period leading up to June were Indigenous. This represents an increase from 24 deaths in the preceding corresponding period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are severely overrepresented in the justice system. They make up over 33% of all prisoners, despite representing less than four per cent of the national people.

These disturbing statistics come to light more than three decades after a seminal inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody, which made numerous of recommendations.

Detailed Analysis of the Latest Statistics

Of the 33 Aboriginal deaths in custody logged between last July and this June, 26 occurred while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the prior year.

A single death occurred in youth detention, and all except one of the deceased were male.

The remaining six fatalities happened in police custody, defined as a situation where someone passes away while police are holding or attempting to detain them.

The main cause of First Nations deaths was categorised as "self-inflicted," followed by "natural causes." The report noted that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the deaths.

Geographic Distribution

The state of New South Wales recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in prison custody with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory all recorded three deaths.

The increasing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "profoundly distressing milestone," the state's chief medical examiner recently remarked.

In October, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this upward pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths required "thorough and careful scrutiny, respect and accountability."

Profile Information and Academic Response

The average age of those who died was 45, and 11 of the deceased were still waiting for a court sentencing.

A criminal law expert, Amanda Porter, described the figures as representing a "national crisis" that requires "decisive action and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended multiple coronial inquests with bereaved families, said very little has changed since the 1991 national inquiry that was established to address this issue.

"It's infuriating to witness the number of investigations I attend, the many funerals families have to attend, and the reality that we are 30 years after the royal commission, and the situation is getting increasingly more severe," she noted.

Since the landmark inquiry, a approximately 600 Indigenous people have died in custody, which includes six in youth detention, as per the report.