Interrogating Institutional Responses to Black Deaths in Custody in Queensland

Overview

The interdisciplinary project investigates systemic racism and institutional violence in coronial inquests into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody. This research will privilege Indigenous voices to reimagine justice and develop policy recommendations that reduce harm and prevent future deaths.

DECRA - Family Testimony as Black Justice: Interrogating Institutional Responses to Black Deaths in Custody.

Research engagement

Students will gain experience in a combination of research assistance, literature review work, and ethics preparation activities

Research activities

• Searching and reviewing coronial databases and publicly available coronial findings relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in Queensland
• Identifying and documenting cases involving deaths occurring during police arrest or apprehension processes, specifically prior to being arrested, charged, or found guilty of an offence
• Assisting in the development of a preliminary database and chronology of relevant Queensland deaths in custody cases since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
• Contributing to background research relating to institutional responses, coronial processes, systemic racism, and deaths in custody
• Assisting with literature reviews and synthesis of relevant academic and policy literature

Research skills

Students gain hands-on experience in Indigenous Australian led research

Outcomes

Enhance students employment prospects, inspire them to pursue higher research degrees and contribute to the development of knowledge in their areas of interest

Skills and experience

Applicants must identify as Indigenous Australian

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Carumba Institute, B-block, Level 3, Gardens Point

Keywords

• Indigenous

Contact

Carumba Institute

+61 7 3138 8611

carumbainstitute@qut.edu.au