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The tally of First Nations people dying while in detention in Australia has climbed to its highest point since records started in 1980.

Recently released figures indicate that 33 of the 113 individuals who passed away in custody in the 12-month period ending in June were Indigenous. This represents an uptick from 24 deaths in the preceding corresponding period.

Indigenous Australian people remain grossly represented in the criminal justice system. They make up over 33% of all prisoners, despite representing less than four per cent of the country's population.

These sobering statistics come to light over three decades after a landmark royal commission 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 a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the prior year.

One death occurred in a juvenile facility, and the vast majority of the individuals were male.

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

The leading cause of Indigenous deaths was categorised as "self-harm," followed by "natural causes." The report noted that hanging was the method in eight of the deaths.

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 increasing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in New South Wales is a "profoundly distressing reality," the state's chief medical examiner has said.

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

Demographic Details and Expert Response

The mean age of those who died was 45 years, and eleven of the deceased were still waiting for a court sentencing.

A criminal law associate professor, Amanda Porter, characterised the data as representing a "country-wide crisis" that requires "leadership and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended multiple coronial inquests with grieving families, stated very little has improved since the 1991's royal commission that aimed to tackle this issue.

"It's infuriating to see the number of inquests I attend, the number funerals families have to attend, and the reality that we are 30 years past the inquiry, and the situation is getting progressively more severe," she commented.

Since the landmark inquiry, a total of 600 First Nations people have died in detention, which encompasses six in juvenile detention centers, according to the report.