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In a devastating and traumatic period of just six days, Australia recorded three more Indigenous deaths in custody.
The death of a woman in her 50s on 5 March followed that of a man in his 30s on 2 March. It came to light through questioning in a state budget estimates hearing.
It prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and sadness about how so many deaths could happen in such a short space of time, three decades on from a damning royal commission.
Questions were asked about how Indigenous people could still be dying inside prison in 2021, mere months after tens of thousands of Australians marched in rallies demanding an end to racial inequality.
Corrections Victoria said his family had been notified and a smoking ceremony arranged. We recognise that all deaths in custody have impacts on family members, friends, corrections staff and the Aboriginal community and we re working to ensure they are provided with the support they need, Corrections Victoria said.
The chief executive of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight, says the trauma will have a lasting impact.
An Aboriginal man died in Victoria s Ravenhall Correctional Centre on March 7 This death highlights the urgent need for sweeping reforms to the justice system, she said. Our people are grossly over-represented in the criminal legal system and in prisons.
Indigenous man dies in Victorian prison - the third Australian death in custody in a week sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.