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

Recently released data show that 33 of the 113 people who died in custody in the 12-month period ending in June were Indigenous. This represents an uptick from 24 deaths in the previous equivalent period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately overrepresented in the justice system. They make up more than one-third of all prisoners, even though representing less than four per cent of the national people.

These disturbing numbers emerge over three decades after a pivotal inquiry into First Nations deaths in custody, which made hundreds of proposed changes.

Detailed Analysis of the Recent Statistics

Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody recorded between last July and this June, 26 occurred while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the prior year.

A single death was in a juvenile facility, and all except one of the deceased were male.

The other six fatalities 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-harm," with "natural causes." The data found that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the deaths.

Geographic Breakdown

The state of New South Wales recorded the highest number of Aboriginal deaths in correctional facilities with nine, followed by Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory all recorded three deaths.

The growing number of Indigenous deaths in custody in this state is a "deeply distressing milestone," the state's chief medical examiner has stated.

In October, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this rising pattern was not "mere statistics" and that these deaths required "independent and careful scrutiny, dignity and responsibility."

Profile Information and Academic Response

The mean age of those who died was 45, and 11 of the individuals were still waiting for a sentence.

A criminal law associate professor, Amanda Porter, characterised the figures as reflecting a "national emergency" that requires "decisive action and government action."

Ms. Porter, who has been present at multiple coronial inquests with grieving families, stated little has improved since the 1991 royal commission that aimed to address this crisis.

"It's infuriating to see the number of investigations I attend, the many funerals families have to attend, and the reality that we are 30 years past the royal commission, and the problem is getting progressively worse," she noted.

From the time of the landmark inquiry, a total of 600 Indigenous people have died in detention, which includes six in youth detention, according to the report.