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Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991)

In October 1987, the Commonwealth Government established the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in response to extensive petitioning by Aboriginal advocacy groups and the families of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who had died in custody.

The Royal Commission investigated the deaths in custody of 99 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who died between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1989. Of this total, 33 died in prison, 63 died in police custody and three died in juvenile detention institutions.

In Victoria, the commission investigated the deaths of three Koories who died in custody during the same period.

The Royal Commission's final report and recommendations

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991) final report contained 339 recommendations which, if implemented according to their intent, should have provided a significant foundation for both governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve life outcomes and reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

The recommendations included:

• measures to divert Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from custody
• strategies to address alcohol and substance abuse
• proposals for self-determination
• improvements in the operation of the criminal justice system and relations with police.

Implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations

The Royal Commission highlighted the need for Aboriginal people to be involved in the process of implementing the recommendations. The recommendations included an implementation action plan which suggests ways to:

• reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custody levels
• remedy social disadvantage
• ensure self-determination, empowerment and reconciliation.