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The number of First Nations people losing their lives while in custody in Australia has reached its record point since records started in 1980.

New statistics show that 33 of the 113 people who died in custody in the 12-month period ending in June were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This marks an uptick from 24 deaths in the preceding corresponding period.

Indigenous Australian people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. They constitute over 33% of all prisoners, even though comprising less than four per cent of the national population.

These concerning statistics come to light over 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 rise from 18 in the previous year.

A single death was in youth detention, and the vast majority of the deceased were male.

The remaining six deaths happened in police custody, defined as when someone passes away while police are holding or attempting to detain them.

The leading cause of First Nations deaths was classified as "self-inflicted," followed by "natural causes." The data found that hanging was the cause in eight of the deaths.

State-by-State Distribution

The state of New South Wales had the greatest 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 chief medical examiner has remarked.

In a recent statement, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this upward pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths demanded "thorough and careful examination, dignity and accountability."

Profile Information and Expert Reaction

The average age of those who died was 45, and 11 of the deceased were awaiting a sentence.

A criminal law associate professor, Amanda Porter, described the data as reflecting a "country-wide crisis" that needs "leadership and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has been present at several coronial inquests with bereaved families, said little has improved since the 1991's royal commission that was established to address this crisis.

"It's maddening to witness the number of investigations I attend, the many memorials families have to attend, and the fact that we are three decades after the inquiry, and the situation is getting progressively more severe," she noted.

From the time of the royal commission, a total of 600 First Nations people have lost their lives in custody, which encompasses six in juvenile detention centers, according to the findings.