Second detainee death in custody at Canberra jail within a month

A second detainee has died at Canberra’s jail in less than a month.

An ACT Corrective Services spokesperson said a 38-year-old Indigenous male detainee died on Monday (17 February) in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (the AMC).

“We acknowledge the grief of the deceased’s loved ones and extend our sincere condolences to them,” they said.

“ACT Policing have informed next of kin and are investigating the incident as all deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest.”

“As this matter is subject to ongoing investigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

The 38-year-old’s death follows the passing of an “unwell” 73-year-old detainee last week, who died in hospital on Thursday (13 February).

Minister for Corrections Marisa Paterson said the deaths were “devastating” and extended condolences to their family and friends.

“While deaths in custody can occur for a range of reasons, the ACT Corrective Services have rigorous processes in place to ensure they maintain the highest standards for all people in their care and are committed to continuous improvement to minimise harms in the ACT’s correctional facilities,” Dr Paterson said.

“As this matter is subject to coronial inquest, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

In a statement, Deborah Morris, the Canberra Liberals’ Shadow Minister for Corrections, said she extended her “sincerest condolences” to the detainee’s families.

“The life of every Canberran matters, including every person who enters our justice system,” she said.

“That’s why I have requested an urgent briefing on both deaths in custody from the ACT Government.”

Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited, said the Service was devastated by reports that two people, who have been identified as Aboriginal in media reports, have died in prison.

“It is unacceptable that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still dying in custody more than 30 years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody,” she said.

“The ACT Government must do more to address its shameful over-imprisonment of Aboriginal people,” Ms Warner said.

Both deaths will be investigated in coronial inquiries.

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