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The tally of Indigenous people dying while in detention in Australia has climbed to its record point since records started in 1980.

New figures show that 33 of the 113 people who died in detention in the 12-month period ending in June were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This marks an uptick from 24 deaths in the preceding equivalent period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are severely represented in the criminal justice system. They make up over 33% of all incarcerated individuals, despite representing less than four per cent of the national population.

These disturbing numbers emerge over three decades after a landmark inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody, which made numerous of recommendations.

Detailed Analysis of the Latest Statistics

Of the 33 Indigenous deaths in custody logged between last July and this June, twenty-six occurred while in a correctional facility, which is an rise from 18 in the prior year.

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

The other six deaths happened in police custody, defined as a situation where someone dies while police are detaining them.

The main cause of First Nations deaths was categorised as "self-inflicted," followed by "natural causes." The data noted that hanging was the cause in eight of the cases.

State-by-State Distribution

The state of New South Wales recorded the greatest 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 reality," the state's chief medical examiner has said.

In October, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this rising pattern was not "mere statistics" and that these deaths demanded "thorough and careful examination, dignity and accountability."

Demographic Details and Academic Response

The average age of those who died was 45 years, and 11 of the individuals were awaiting a court sentencing.

A university associate professor, Amanda Porter, described the figures as reflecting a "national crisis" that needs "leadership and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended several official inquiries with grieving families, said very little has improved since the 1991 royal commission that aimed to address this issue.

"It's maddening to witness the number of investigations I attend, the number funerals families have to attend, and the fact that we are three decades after the royal commission, and the problem is getting progressively more severe," she commented.

From the time of the royal commission, a total of 600 First Nations people have lost their lives in detention, which includes six in juvenile detention centers, as per the report.