Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

Opened the debate

Thorpe moved the motion to note the death of Kumanjayi White and extend sympathies to his family and the Yuendumu community. Thorpe highlighted that 17 First Nations people had died in custody that year and cited the total of 602 deaths since the 1991 Royal Commission. Thorpe called on the government to support the White family with legal and coronial assistance and to reverse interventionist policies in the Northern Territory. Thorpe urged parliamentarians to work together to address over-incarceration and implement the Royal Commission's recommendations.

Government response

Watt offered condolences on behalf of the government and acknowledged the distress in the Yuendumu community. Watt stated that the government was working with the Minister for Indigenous Australians to raise the issue at federal councils and was investing in justice reinvestment and social services such as housing, jobs, and health. Watt noted that crime rates had declined in some Northern Territory communities due to these initiatives. Watt emphasised that states and territories held primary responsibility for justice systems but affirmed the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting reform and reviewing coronial recommendations.

Opposition response

Liddle acknowledged the tragedy and noted that 17 Indigenous people had died in custody that year. Liddle stated that the Shadow Minister would wait for official investigations to conclude before commenting on specific failures. Liddle highlighted the recent Closing the Gap report, noting that only four of 19 targets were on track and that adult incarceration rates were worsening. Liddle argued that addressing family violence and early intervention were critical protective factors and criticised the lapse of alcohol restrictions in the Northern Territory.