Royal Commission into

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:03): My question is again to the Premier. Has the Premier assessed the very tragic event that occurred last Friday at Yatala prison against the report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (15:03): In relation to the general question of Aboriginal deaths in custody, I can make some remarks about that matter. In relation to the specific case, I will have to take that question on notice and bring back an answer.

In relation to the general position, fortunately over recent years there have been very few deaths through unnatural causes of people in custody, and certainly even fewer Aboriginal deaths in custody. Nevertheless, any death in custody is a cause of concern and is the subject of very considerable analysis.

There is a regular set of processes which are established to deal with Aboriginal deaths in custody, which was established after the royal commission handed down its report in 1991. The Aboriginal Services Unit was established within the Department for Correctional Services to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody. It works across the Department for Correctional Services, in partnership with the Aboriginal community organisations in other agencies, to deliver appropriate services to Aboriginal prisoners and offenders and engages in partnerships with Aboriginal organisations such as the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement.

A particular committee, the Prevention of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Forum, contributes to the wellbeing of prisoners by identifying and addressing areas of systemic bias, and is held every six weeks. DCS employs Aboriginal liaison officers who are responsible for providing assistance, support and follow-up to Aboriginal prisoners. They also liaise with staff, community groups and other agencies to promote the welfare of Aboriginal prisoners. Aboriginal elders visit prisons across our state, and during these visits culturally appropriate support is provided to prisoners. It obviously is regrettable when any of these deaths occur, but careful steps are taken to respond to the particular needs of Aboriginal people in our prisons.