intro stats
Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, over 500 Aboriginal people have died in custody, one every 22 days.
contention
The disproportionately high rates of Indigenous deaths in custody stem from deeply rooted racism and inequality in legal and correctional systems that must be altered to protect Indigenous lives along with providing greater support to deter criminal behaviour without resorting to custody.
para 1 topic sentance
Indigenous Australians are disproportionately represented in custody across the country indicating the discrimination system before us.
para 1 evidence
- Making up around 3.8% of the overall population, however constituting approximately 32% of the prison population.
- The Commission concluded that Indigenous Australians are more likely to die in custody as they are more likely to be in custody in the first place.
- If this occurred, Ms Dhu, who was arrested and later died of sepsis and pneumonia despite pleading for medical help multiple times, would still be with us today.
- It is time you rectify this unjust system, by introducing an independent disciplinary panel to review police conduct, ensuring prisons and officers are held accountable for their duty of care.
para 1 language techniques
- The blatant racism ingrained in this system must change so Indigenous Australians are not unnecessarily convicted, neglected or harmed for minor behaviours.
- She was jailed for unpaid fines, while others walk free for greater crimes. Would she have been treated differently if her skin was white? You know the answer.
- One system. Two outcomes. One nation. Two realities.
- We cannot allow racism to go unnoticed. Punish prejudice, protect our Indigenous brothers and sisters and pursue proper justice, as the people of Australia have elected you to do.
para 2 evidence
- While courts like the Koori court are culturally sensitive, they are only used for sentencing and not accessible to all.
- as over half of Indigenous deaths in custody occurred while being held by police or on remand, after they were refused bail.
- While also fostering community based programs to encourage connection to country, community and education not only promoting Indigenous Australian’s mental and physical health but also breaking the reoffending cycle as according to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing.
para 2 argument
This problem does not halt at overrepresentation, but rather a reflection of intergenerational trauma and a resulting lack of culturally safe environments to prevent deteriorating mental and physical health.
para 2 language techniques
- You, as the leaders of our country, urgently need to reform the Bail Act, invest in culturally appropriate bail accommodation and support, and allow the Koori Courts to hear bail applications
- We cannot ignore the past. We cannot deny the present. We cannot delay the future.
- Create justice systems that are just for all, not just for some.
para 3 argument
The ‘tough on crime approach’ has circulated around the country particularly in the Northern Territory, many arguing that increasing the harshness of punishment would deter crime, particularly youth.
para 3 evidence
- Although the Coalition have petitioned for stronger bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility, this approach does not address the root cause, ultimately ending in a cycle of recidivism.
- This proposal will do nothing but impact already vulnerable Indigenous Australians in which Dr McGlade states “the majority of children being impacted by these draconian and punitive laws…are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”
- Instead of these unnecessarily drastic measures, more resources should be focused on support and other methods of deterrence to prevent criminal behaviour, such as electronic monitoring, home detention, restitution orders, fines and offender employment programs instead of incarceration.
para 3 language techniques
- Arrest. Release. Reoffend. Repeat.
- As an organisation and an advocate for the Australian public we have tirelessly petitioned for greater implementation of recommendations that the Royal Commission suggested.
- These need to be implemented to protect Indigenous communities from deaths at the hands of our unjust system.
conclusion language techniques
Indigenous deaths in custody are more than statistics. They are suffering, stolen lives, broken families and injustice deeply rooted in our criminal justice systems. Enough of the excuses. Enough of the silence. Enough of the deaths. Parliament, you, have the power and obligation to prevent these deaths and achieve justice for all Australians. It is long past broken promises, now is the time to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission and coronial findings. Create a system that delivers justice for all, not just for some.
introduction language technique
We must foster justice for all, not just for some.
