An independent investigation is needed to explain the sharp rise in the number of Australian prison deaths being attributed to “natural causes” and the young ages of those dying. Inga Ting concludes her special investigation into deaths in custody.
Aboriginal deaths in custody
Deaths in custody: authorities ignore warnings on hanging points
State governments around the country are not only failing to fulfil their obligation to remove obvious hanging points in police and prison cells, they are also building new prisons that do not meet this safety standard. Inga Ting continues her special investigation into deaths in custody.
Deaths in custody: sweeping changes, but coroners critical of inquiry
Serious questions about the integrity, accountability and independence of death in custody investigations are still being raised by NSW coroners, despite sweeping changes following a Royal Commission, writes Inga Ting.
Deaths in custody: ‘I’m homicidal, I’ve told them that for days’
Careless or inappropriate jail or cell placement has contributed to at least 20 deaths in NSW prison custody in the past decade, according to a Crikey analysis of coronial reports. Inga Ting continues her special investigation.
Deaths in custody: families blocked from warning corrections staff
The troubled relationship between custodial authorities and prisoners’ families has continued to draw criticism at deaths in custody inquests, with numerous coroners finding deaths may have been avoided if family members assisted in care. Inga Ting continues her Crikey investigation.
Deaths in custody: prisoners’ families still waiting for answers
Anger, frustration and helplessness are recurring themes for the families of prisoners who die in custody, writes Inga Ting, freelance journalist and associate of the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism
Deaths in custody: in safe, monitored rooms prisoners still hang
The deaths of prisoners in cells specifically designed to prevent self harm raises doubts about supervision and monitoring practices in NSW prisons, reports Inga Ting.
Deaths in custody: mental health assessments fail suicidal inmates
One quarter of inmates who suicided in NSW prisons in the past nine years did so within days of having been assessed as no longer at risk of self harm or suicide. In her continuing investigation, Inga Ting highlights how health agencies failed inmates.
Deaths in custody: seven tragedies, seven cases of negligence
The tragic 2007 death of mentally ill prisoner Adam Douglas Shipley is just one of seven deaths linked through a chain of negligence, bureaucratic bungling and failed policies. Inga Ting continues her special investigation for Crikey.
Deaths in custody: medical warnings on suicide risk weren’t delivered
The hanging death of Aboriginal inmate Larna Louise Ryan could have been avoided had prison and health authorities simply checked her medical and case history, reports Inga Ting.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Local government’s right to take a stand
Crikey readers have their say.
Why are deaths in custody rising?
Twenty years after the Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody, inmates are still dying as a result of the same practices the Commission sought to eliminate. Inga Ting begins a special investigation.
The NSW media blackout over deaths in custody
There were three tragic deaths in custody in NSW in 2009. So why did the media only report on that of Mark Holcroft? asks the Indigenous Social Justice Association’s Ray Jackson. Could it be because he was the only one with white skin?
Deaths in custody: did the Royal Commission get it wrong?
Public knowledge of aboriginal deaths in custody is warped. Aboriginals are less likely than non-Aboriginals to die in custody and being imprisoned actually reduces likelihood of death, writes former head of research into the Royal Commission, David Biles.
The racism pervading our police
When it comes to receiving justice in this country, it matters what colour your skin is, writes Suvendrini Perera. From aboriginal deaths in custody to violence against Indian students, institutional racism afflicts our police forces.
Holding their breath for Palm justice
This latest inquest into the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee is being watched by Indigenous people around the nation for one simple reason: it represents the best chance yet for justice over an Aboriginal death in custody.
Crikey Says: A chance for justice at last in Palm Island inquest
When it comes to Palm Island, at least people are finally paying attention again to deaths of Aboriginal people in custody.
Northern Territory leads the way in taking the coroner seriously
At last — a little light shines on the nether world of the coronial inquest, writes Bob Gosford.
Palm Island: Tallying the injuries between black and white
The police on the front line at Palm Island did face adversity, but if it wasn’t of their own making, it was certainly made by their colleagues, writes Chris Graham.
Aurukun: A broader, insider, view
There’s more the Aurukan case than one questionable judgement, says David Martin, anthropologist and former Aurukun resident.
