Prisons

This theme addresses the day-to-day experiences of Aboriginal people in custody, with a focus on dignity, connection to family and culture, and culturally safe prison environments. The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) made extensive recommendations about living conditions in prison, including the need to prioritise prison placement near family, provide financial assistance for visits, create welcoming visit spaces, enable attendance at cultural ceremonies. Maintaining family and cultural connections is a protective factor that can reduce harm, promote wellbeing, and support reintegration. Employing Aboriginal staff in prisons, and screening all potential staff more effectively is critical to achieving these goals. The commissioners also emphasised the need for reforms to complaints procedures in prisons, ensuring all complaints are heard and acted on effectively.

The Corrections Cultural and Ombudsman Review highlights an ongoing issue of limited accountability and oversight in how complaints are responded to. Whilst several programs, including the Independent Prison Visitors, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, and Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers have both been positive moves in strengthening access to complaints mechanisms for people in prison, there is little evidence of this resulting in more effective outcomes. Similarly, initiatives and principles designed to support Aboriginal people in maintaining their connection to culture and family were found to be implemented irregularly.

AJC highlight the ongoing gap between policy intent and the lived experience of Aboriginal people in prisons. We call for enforceable accountability, Aboriginal-led decision-making, sustained investment in cultural safety across all custodial environments. We emphasise the importance of alternatives to custody, more culturally responsive spaces, and for Aboriginal mentors in prisons, and recognise the importance of supporting Aboriginal people to access education and employment both whilst in prison and in the community.