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The count of First Nations people losing their lives while in custody in Australia has hit its peak point since official data started in 1980.

Recently released figures reveal that 33 of the 113 people who passed away in custody in the 12-month period leading up to June were Indigenous. This marks an uptick from 24 deaths in the preceding corresponding period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are grossly overrepresented in the justice system. They constitute over 33% of all prisoners, even though representing under 4% of the national population.

These sobering statistics come to light more than three decades after a seminal royal commission into First Nations deaths in custody, which made numerous of recommendations.

Detailed Analysis of the Recent Figures

Of the 33 Aboriginal 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 previous year.

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

The remaining six deaths took place in police custody, defined as when someone passes away while police are detaining them.

The leading cause of First Nations deaths was classified as "self-harm," followed by "illness." The report noted that asphyxiation was the method in eight of the deaths.

State-by-State Breakdown

The state of New South Wales recorded the greatest number of Aboriginal deaths in correctional facilities with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory each had three deaths.

The rising number of First Nations deaths in custody in this state is a "profoundly distressing tragedy," the state's coroner recently said.

In October, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan emphasised that this rising pattern was not "just statistics" and that these deaths demanded "independent and careful examination, respect and accountability."

Profile Details and Academic Response

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

A university expert, Amanda Porter, characterised the data as reflecting a "national emergency" that requires "decisive action and political action."

Ms. Porter, who has attended multiple coronial inquests with grieving families, said little has improved since the 1991's national inquiry that aimed to tackle this crisis.

"It's maddening to see the number of inquests I attend, the many memorials families have to attend, and the fact that we are three decades after the royal commission, and the situation is getting increasingly more severe," she commented.

From the time of the landmark inquiry, a total of 600 Indigenous people have lost their lives in custody, which includes six in youth detention, according to the findings.