Lidia Thorpe Condemns ‘Shameful’ Rise in Indigenous Deaths in Custody as Closing the Gap Report Shows Worsening Outcomes
Latest Closing the Gap Report Reveals Alarming Trends
Senator Lidia Thorpe has spoken out strongly against the rising number of Indigenous deaths in custody, describing the situation as “shameful.” The latest Closing the Gap report paints a troubling picture, showing that key targets on Indigenous wellbeing are not only unmet but have worsened in areas such as adult imprisonment rates, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates, and childhood development.
Key Areas of Concern
- Adult imprisonment rates among Indigenous Australians remain alarmingly high, showing no improvement.
- Children in out-of-home care continue to rise, reflecting systemic challenges in family support and child welfare.
- Suicide rates within Indigenous communities have worsened, highlighting ongoing mental health crises.
- Childhood development indicators show stagnation or decline, raising concerns about early education and health.
A Call for Urgent Action
Lidia Thorpe emphasized that these worsening outcomes demand immediate and meaningful government intervention. She highlighted the need for renewed strategies that genuinely address the root causes of these issues rather than continuing ineffective policies.
Sensitive Content Warning
This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have died. We acknowledge the sensitivity and respect the memory of those affected and their families.
