An Aboriginal prisoner in central Victoria has died, becoming the second Indigenous person to die in police custody in the last five weeks.

38-year-old Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri man, Clinton Austin had been residing at Loddon prison near Castlemaine and died on Sunday, however the circumstances of his death have been reported as unsuspicious.

Mr Austin’s family was shocked upon learning the news, especially given he was eligible for parole last year.

The family released a statement via the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

“Clinton was meant to be getting out of prison. He had his heart set on being an Aboriginal art teacher. His heart was for his son, and for his art. He wanted to get out of prison and live right and do the right thing. Now he can’t do any of that,” Mr Austin’s family said.

“We can’t believe Clinton is dead. We don’t know how we will face the next days.”

Mr Austin’s family said they have been let down by the justice system, and that his parole was likely delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Due to COVID, Clinton faced lockdowns, delays in the hearing of his parole, and wasn’t able to see his family face to face,” the statement said.

“Clinton shouldn’t have been held in prison in those conditions. Clinton was eligible for parole last year. Why wasn’t he released when he was meant to be?”

Mr Austin’s death has once again put the Victorian justice system in the spotlight, following the death of a 32-year-old Aboriginal man in custody last month just hours after returning from hospital.

CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Wright condemned the state government, saying that urgent action needs to be taken to reduce custody deaths in Victoria.

“If the Victorian government do nothing, it will undermine Treaty and Yoorrook, and waste the generational opportunity and hope that they represent,” Ms Waight said.

“Victoria’s parole system is failing Aboriginal people and needs urgent reform”

Photo: Urban Prison by Axel Ancona Esselmann available HERE is under Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.