The coronial findings into the death of Veronica Nelson

Note this story includes the name of a deceased First Nations person. Her name is used with the permission of her family.

The Coroners Court findings into the death of Veronica Nelson demonstrate the urgent need for widespread change in our criminal justice system to address the ongoing harm it causes to First Nations peoples.

Ms Nelson was a proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman. She was 37 years old when she died at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on 2 January 2020, three days after being taken into custody.

We express our sincere condolences to Aunty Donna Nelson, Uncle Percy Lovett and all of Ms Nelson’s family, friends and community. As we all reflect on the coronial findings, we urge you to read their statements in response and to join them in honouring Ms Nelson’s memory.

‘Through the Yoorrook Justice Commission and other inquiries, we have and will continue to advocate for urgent reforms needed to address the disproportionate representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system – including the pressing need to change bail laws, to address systemic racism, and the need to build a self-determined criminal justice system,’ said Dan Nicholson, Victoria Legal Aid Executive Director, Criminal Law.

‘We need a bail system that appropriately responds to risk, and supports people to stay connected to their family and communities and access to health, education and housing support services,’ said Mr Nicholson.

First Nations communities, and successive reviews and inquiries have identified and called for the need for widespread systemic change. In his findings Coroner McGregor highlighted that the timely implementation of the findings and recommendations made over three decades ago by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody could have prevented the tragedy of Ms Nelson’s passing.

‘One of the most damaging consequences of the systemic injustice in the criminal justice system is the deaths in custody of First Nations people and the resulting devastation felt by their families and communities,’ said Mr Nicholson.

Inquests are important opportunities to understand the events that led to someone’s death and identify systemic changes to prevent the events reoccurring.  

It was important for the Coroner to explore and receive evidence about all aspects of Ms Nelson’s treatment in the criminal justice system, including the legal assistance provided, and why she was unrepresented in her application for bail.

We gave evidence to the inquest and participated in the administration of justice expert panel and conclave, and we continue to reflect on our work and make changes to our services where appropriate.

‘As the Coroner found, Ms Nelson’s death was tragic and preventable. All institutions in the criminal justice system, including Victoria Legal Aid, have a role to play to ensure that the treatment she endured is not repeated,’ said Mr Nicholson.

Media enquiries

Please direct all media enquiries to Media, Communications and Engagement Manager Naomi Woodley via naomi.woodley@vla.vic.gov.au