Key Takeaways:
- The death of an Indigenous woman in custody in Tennant Creek is believed to be the result of a "medical episode".
- There was no nurse on duty to check the woman’s medical records at the time of her arrest.
- The Northern Territory police are investigating the death, with oversight from the force’s Professional Standards Command.
- Indigenous deaths in custody are at their highest level in decades, with 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people dying in custody in 2024-2025.
- The Northern Territory government has rejected a proposal for an independent national body to address rates of Indigenous deaths in custody.
Introduction to the Incident
The death of an Indigenous woman in custody in Tennant Creek has sparked an investigation by the Northern Territory police. The 44-year-old woman was found unconscious in her cell at the Tennant Creek watch house on Saturday and was rushed to hospital, but could not be revived. Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said that the woman underwent a "custody health assessment" after her arrest for an alleged aggravated assault, but there was no nurse on duty to check her medical records. The police believe that the woman’s death was the result of a "medical episode", but a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Investigation and Procedure
The investigation into the woman’s death is being led by the Major Crime Unit, with oversight from the force’s Professional Standards Command. Acting Assistant Commissioner Malley said that the police take deaths in custody very seriously and that the investigation will be conducted to the same standard as a homicide investigation. He also said that the police are able to investigate themselves and that there is no conflict of interest. The woman’s cell has been locked down as a crime scene and will remain so until after the post-mortem is conducted. The results of the post-mortem are expected to be available by the end of the week.
Lack of Medical Attention
The fact that there was no nurse on duty to check the woman’s medical records has raised concerns about the level of medical attention provided to prisoners in custody. Acting Assistant Commissioner Malley said that in normal circumstances, a custody nurse would have been able to check the woman’s medical records and identify any potential health issues. However, in Tennant Creek, there is no custody nurse on duty, and the police officer who accepted the woman into custody had to conduct the assessment themselves. This has highlighted the need for better medical attention and oversight in custody facilities, particularly in remote areas like Tennant Creek.
Indigenous Deaths in Custody
The death of the Indigenous woman in Tennant Creek is part of a larger trend of Indigenous deaths in custody. According to the national deaths in custody report by the Australian Institute of Criminology, there were 113 deaths in custody recorded in 2024-2025, with 33 of those being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is the largest number of Indigenous deaths in custody since 1979. The Northern Territory has seen several high-profile cases of Indigenous deaths in custody in recent years, including the death of 24-year-old Kumanjayi White in Alice Springs in May. These deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for action to address the systemic issues that contribute to Indigenous deaths in custody.
Government Response
The Northern Territory government has rejected a proposal for an independent national body to address rates of Indigenous deaths in custody. Country Liberal Party member for Barkly Steve Edgington said that the government is "doing everything we can to prevent deaths in custody" and that there are already measures in place to ensure the safety of people in custody, such as police on duty and CCTV cameras in watch houses. However, critics argue that an independent oversight body is necessary to ensure that investigations into deaths in custody are thorough and transparent. The rejection of the proposal has sparked concerns that the government is not taking adequate action to address the systemic issues that contribute to Indigenous deaths in custody.
Conclusion
The death of the Indigenous woman in Tennant Creek is a tragic reminder of the need for better medical attention and oversight in custody facilities, particularly in remote areas. The investigation into her death will be closely watched, and the results of the post-mortem will provide more information about the circumstances surrounding her death. The high rate of Indigenous deaths in custody is a national issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from governments and law enforcement agencies. The rejection of the proposal for an independent national body to address rates of Indigenous deaths in custody has sparked concerns that the government is not taking adequate action to address the systemic issues that contribute to these deaths. It is essential that the government takes a more proactive and inclusive approach to addressing Indigenous deaths in custody, including working with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop solutions that prioritize their safety and well-being.