Full Breakdown
Inquest Findings Highlight Health Policy Concerns Following Death of Indigenous Inmate
3/6/2026, 11:13:47 PM
Circumstances of Gregory Merriman's Death
Gregory Merriman, a 58-year-old Yuin man and member of the Stolen Generations, died in custody at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) in Silverwater, Sydney, on December 27, 2022. His death followed the deployment of CS gas by prison officers during an incident in which he was not involved. Merriman was found unresponsive in his cell approximately 30 minutes after the gas was used. An autopsy determined that he died from an acute myocardial infarction due to ischaemic heart disease, a condition that had gone undiagnosed.
Coroner's Findings and Health Policy Critique
In her findings, NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame expressed concern over the health screening policies for Indigenous inmates, particularly following Merriman's death. At the time, all Aboriginal inmates aged 45 and over were to receive a chronic disease screening within 30 days of their initial health screening. However, Merriman had not received this screening, which Grahame noted was inconsistent with existing policy. The coroner criticized recent changes to health screening protocols, stating that the new requirement for preventative health screenings could lead to missed health issues, especially for inmates serving short sentences.
Family's Response and Broader Implications
Merriman's family, particularly his brother Uncle Mark, expressed dissatisfaction with the inquest's findings, stating that true justice would not be achieved. Uncle Mark highlighted the systemic issues affecting Indigenous people, emphasizing that the over-incarceration of First Nations individuals is a root cause of the high number of deaths in custody. He remarked, “There’s gotta be change in jail, same as there’s gotta be change out here … black deaths have to stop.”
Systemic Issues and Recommendations
Grahame acknowledged the broader context of colonization and its impact on Indigenous incarceration rates, noting that the number of Aboriginal prisoners had increased by 18.9% over the past five years. She refrained from making specific recommendations to Justice Health but urged the commissioner of custodial services to revise the use of CS gas and improve medical responses for affected inmates. The coroner's findings come amid rising concerns about the health and safety of Indigenous inmates, with NSW recording its highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody in 2025.
Conclusion
The inquest into Gregory Merriman's death has raised critical questions about the adequacy of health screenings for Indigenous inmates and the systemic issues contributing to their over-representation in the criminal justice system. The findings underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure the health and safety of all incarcerated individuals, particularly those from First Nations backgrounds.
