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The number of First Nations people losing their lives while in detention in Australia has reached its highest point since the beginning of official data started in 1980.

Recently released data reveal that 33 of the 113 individuals who died in detention in the year leading up to June have been identified as Indigenous. This marks an increase from 24 deaths in the preceding equivalent period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. They constitute over 33% of all prisoners, even though comprising under 4% of the country's people.

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

Detailed Analysis of the Latest Figures

Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody recorded between last July and this June, 26 took place while in prison custody, which is an increase from 18 in the previous year.

One death occurred in youth detention, and all except one of the individuals were men.

The other six fatalities took place in the custody of law enforcement, defined as when someone passes away while police are detaining them.

The main cause of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," with "natural causes." The data noted that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the cases.

State-by-State Distribution

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

The rising number of First Nations deaths in custody in New South Wales is a "deeply distressing tragedy," the state's coroner recently said.

In a recent statement, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this upward trend was not "mere statistics" and that these deaths demanded "thorough and careful examination, dignity and responsibility."

Profile Information and Academic Reaction

The mean age of those who died was 45 years, and eleven of the individuals were awaiting a court sentencing.

A university expert, Amanda Porter, described the data as reflecting a "country-wide emergency" that requires "decisive action and government action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended several official inquiries with grieving families, stated little has changed since the 1991's royal commission that aimed to tackle 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 inquiry, and the problem is getting progressively worse," she commented.

From the time of the landmark inquiry, a approximately 600 First Nations people have lost their lives in detention, which includes six in youth detention, according to the report.