Urgent Reforms Needed After Aboriginal Woman's Death in Custody
A damning coronial inquest into the death of Heather Calgaret, a 36-year-old Aboriginal woman who died in Victorian custody, has exposed critical failures in the state's prison healthcare system. The findings have sparked calls for immediate reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Systemic Failures Laid Bare
The investigation revealed multiple missed opportunities to provide adequate medical care to Calgaret, who had complex health needs. Key findings included:
- Inadequate monitoring of chronic health conditions
- Failure to follow proper medical protocols
- Lack of cultural sensitivity in healthcare delivery
- Poor communication between prison staff and medical professionals
Coroner's Recommendations
The coroner has proposed sweeping changes to Victoria's correctional healthcare system, including:
- Implementing mandatory cultural competency training for all prison healthcare staff
- Establishing independent oversight of prison medical services
- Improving coordination between justice and health departments
- Creating specific protocols for managing prisoners with complex health needs
A National Crisis
Calgaret's death adds to the growing tally of Aboriginal deaths in custody, highlighting what advocates describe as a national emergency. Indigenous Australians remain significantly overrepresented in prison populations and continue to die in custody at alarming rates.
"This isn't just about one tragic case," said a spokesperson for the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. "It's about systemic racism and neglect that continues to claim Indigenous lives."
Government Response
The Victorian government has acknowledged the findings and pledged to implement the coroner's recommendations. However, Indigenous leaders warn that without proper funding and accountability, meaningful change will remain elusive.
