Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody - 30 years on

Summary

On the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report, the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub hosted its inaugural event featuring Senator Patrick Dodson, the Commissioner during the Royal Commission.

Senator Dodson spoke about the Royal Commission report and the need for change to address the 474 numbers of Aboriginal deaths in custody, since the report was tabled, 30 years ago.

For 30 years the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report and its 339 recommendations has been largely ignored by Australian Governments. On 15 April 2021, we remembered the 474 First Nations People that have died preventable deaths in incarceration since this comprehensive inquiry recommended reforms.

The event was important to highlight the injustices that are going on in this country to its First Nations people, to a wider audience that would not usually be involved in such discussions.

Presenter

• Senator Patrick Dodson

Moderator

• Eddie Cubillo, Associate Dean (Indigenous Programs) and Director, Indigenous Law and Justice Hub

Real action needed on Aboriginal deaths in Custody

by Eddie Cubillo

Read a recent story by Eddie Cubillo, published on Pursuit, discussing the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Death in Custody report and recommendations, and the governments failure to implement the recommendations as per the reports fining that confirmed racism as the fundamental cause of the high rates of incarceration and deaths in custody for the country's First Nations people. Read Eddie's article here.

Sea of hands

On 15 April 2021,  a Sea of Hands event, as a symbol of solidarity with First Nations Peoples for over 23 years, and to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Commission was on display at University Square, Carlton.