Indigenous deaths in custody
Teresa O’Sullivan, NSW State Coroner writes:
“Twelve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have died in custody in New South Wales so far in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded in a single year, with more than two months remaining in the calendar.
This is a profoundly distressing milestone. These are not mere statistics. Each of these deaths represents a person whose life mattered and whose loss is felt deeply by families, loved ones and communities across the state. They are individuals whose deaths demand independent and careful scrutiny, respect and accountability.
Recent data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) underscores the scale of the issue. As of June 2025, there were 4386 Aboriginal adults in custody, representing 33.4 per cent of the total adult prison population – despite Aboriginal people comprising only a small proportion of the NSW population.
Over the past five years, the number of Aboriginal people in custody has increased by 18.9 per cent, while the non-Aboriginal prison population has declined by 12.5 per cent. Nearly half of Aboriginal adults in custody (45.6 per cent) were on remand or refused bail awaiting further court outcomes. The number of Aboriginal people on remand has surged by 63 per cent over the same five-year period.
These figures reflect the entrenched over-representation of First Nations peoples in the criminal justice system – a systemic issue that compounds the risks and vulnerabilities contributing to the rising number of deaths in custody.
The Coroners Court of NSW remains committed to investigating every death in custody independently and thoroughly, in line with its statutory responsibilities. Inquests will be conducted with impartiality, transparency and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that the voices of affected families and communities are heard and respected.”
‘Stop harvesting … really?’
Well now I’ve heard it all. The ‘do-gooders’ in our capital formulating rules and suggestions for we, the rural populations.
When harvesting in very hot and windy conditions, and being aware of the fire dangers, “just stop”. Have a water carrier nearby, yes, I agree but “just stop”? Really?
As a farmer’s daughter, the mantra is get the grain off as quickly as possible before it is downgraded or wrecked by a thunderstorm.
A farmer doesn’t relax till the crops are all in storage.
I am seriously amazed at the ignorance of some people in authority (not the local establishment though!)
– Leonie Harley, Gunnedah
