Call for Independent Investigation Following Aboriginal Woman's Death in Custody

On December 27, 2025, a 44-year-old Aboriginal mother of five was found unresponsive in her cell at the Tennant Creek watch house in the Northern Territory. Her death occurred two days after her arrest on Christmas Day for an alleged aggravated assault. The Northern Territory Police stated that her death appeared to be the result of a medical episode, and the major crime unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with oversight from the Professional Standards Command.

The Guardian

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) has called for an independent investigation into the woman's death, expressing concerns about the adequacy of internal police investigations. Ben Grimes, the agency's chief executive, emphasized that Aboriginal families and communities lack trust in a system where police investigate themselves. He stated, “Independent, transparent investigations are critical not only to uncovering the truth, but also to maintaining community trust and preventing future deaths.”

The Guardian

In contrast, NT Police's acting assistant commissioner, Peter Malley, asserted that the police take deaths in custody seriously and are capable of conducting thorough investigations. He noted that the police are legislated to investigate such incidents and claimed, “We’re very good at it.”

The Guardian

The Tennant Creek watch house does not employ an on-duty custody nurse, a position recommended following a coronial inquiry into a previous Aboriginal death in custody in Alice Springs. This absence raises concerns about the adequacy of health assessments conducted on detainees. NT Police reported that the deceased woman underwent a health assessment upon admission and was deemed fit for custody. However, the lack of a custody nurse means that detainees do not receive comprehensive medical evaluations, which could potentially identify underlying health issues.

The Guardian

The issue of Aboriginal deaths in custody is significant, with 33 out of 113 recorded deaths in custody in 2024-25 being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. This figure represents the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody in a single year since 1979, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Aboriginal individuals within the justice system.

The Guardian

NT Police have stated that an in-depth health assessment was conducted on the woman, and no signs of injuries were observed. CPR was performed by officers until an ambulance arrived, but she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at the Tennant Creek Hospital. The police maintain that they are committed to a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Guardian

Critics, including NAAJA, argue that internal investigations by police do not provide the necessary accountability or transparency, particularly in cases involving Aboriginal individuals. The community's call for independent oversight reflects a broader demand for systemic change to ensure trust and safety within the justice system.

The Guardian

As the investigation continues, the findings from the postmortem examination are awaited, which may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. The outcome of this case could influence future policies regarding health assessments and the treatment of Aboriginal individuals in custody.

The Guardian