Key facts
- Two First Nations men have died in NSW prisons this month, raising concerns about a worsening crisis.
- Matthew Roberts died by suicide at Lithgow correctional centre on July 7, after being remanded in March.
- A week later, another First Nations man died at Clarence correctional centre.
- Last year, 2025, saw a record 12 First Nations deaths in NSW prisons.
- The prison population has grown significantly, with First Nations people comprising a disproportionately high percentage of those entering and in custody.
First Nations advocates are expressing grave concern over the rising number of Indigenous deaths in custody in New South Wales, fearing that this year could surpass the record set in 2025. The alarm has been heightened by the deaths of two First Nations men in July: Matthew Roberts, 27, who died by suicide at Lithgow correctional centre, and another 21-year-old man at Clarence correctional centre.
Roberts' mother, Karlene Whitton, described her son as a joyful person who loved his children and sports. She revealed that Roberts had previously been on suicide watch and, shortly before his death, had expressed suicidal thoughts to her over the phone. Corrective Services NSW stated that the intersection of mental health and the justice system is complex, and that they work with Justice Health to provide care, but declined further comment due to ongoing investigations.
The Dhadjowa Foundation, which supports families of First Nations people who die in custody, is assisting Roberts' family with funeral arrangements and fundraising, highlighting the financial burden placed on grieving families. The foundation's founder, April Day, whose own mother died in custody, emphasized that no family should have to fundraise for a burial when their loved one has died in state care.
Data indicates a significant increase in the prison population, with First Nations people disproportionately represented. In the four months to March 2026, the prison population grew more than in the previous four years. Approximately 41% of those entering prison during this period were First Nations people, and they constituted over one-third of the total prison population in March, the highest proportion on record. Sharif Deen, acting chief executive of the NSW and ACT Aboriginal Legal Service, described the situation as a "deaths in custody crisis," attributing it to the unprecedented rise in Aboriginal adults being incarcerated.