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The count of Indigenous people losing their lives while in detention in Australia has climbed to its peak point since official data started in 1980.

Recently released figures reveal that 33 of the 113 individuals who died in detention in the 12-month period ending in June have been identified as Indigenous. This marks an increase from 24 fatalities in the preceding equivalent period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain grossly represented in the justice system. They make up more than one-third of all prisoners, even though representing less than four per cent of the country's population.

These sobering numbers come to light more than three decades after a landmark inquiry into First Nations deaths in custody, which put forward numerous of recommendations.

Breakdown of the Latest Statistics

Of the 33 Aboriginal deaths in custody logged between last July and this June, 26 took place while in a correctional facility, which is an increase from 18 in the previous year.

A single death occurred in youth detention, and all except one of the individuals were male.

The remaining six fatalities happened in police custody, defined as a situation where someone dies while police are detaining them.

The primary cause of First Nations deaths was categorised as "self-harm," followed by "illness." The data found that hanging was the cause in eight of the deaths.

State-by-State Breakdown

The state of New South Wales recorded the greatest number of Indigenous deaths in prison custody with nine, then Western Australia with six. Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory all recorded three deaths.

The rising number of First Nations deaths in custody in New South Wales is a "deeply distressing tragedy," the state's coroner recently remarked.

In a recent statement, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan stressed that this rising trend was not "just statistics" and that these deaths demanded "thorough and careful examination, respect and responsibility."

Profile Information and Expert Reaction

The average age of those who died was 45, and 11 of the deceased were still waiting for a court sentencing.

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

Ms. Porter, who has attended multiple official inquiries with grieving families, said little has improved since the 1991's royal commission that aimed to tackle this crisis.

"It's heartbreaking to witness the quantity of inquests I attend, the many funerals families have to attend, and the fact that we are 30 years past the royal commission, and the problem is getting increasingly worse," she commented.

Since the royal commission, a total of 600 Indigenous people have died in detention, which includes six in youth detention, as per the findings.