Inquest into the death of Veronica Nelson

A coronial inquest begins today into the death of Veronica Nelson at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on 2 January 2020.

Ms Nelson, a proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman, was 37 years old when she died, three days after being taken into custody.

As the inquest commences, Victoria Legal Aid extends its sincere condolences to Ms Nelson’s family, friends and community.

No one should die in custody. Given the findings and recommendations made in the 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and in other inquiries since, it is unacceptable that Aboriginal deaths in custody are still occurring more than three decades on. We also acknowledge the disproportionate number of First Nations people caught up in the criminal justice system.

All of us in the criminal justice system, including Victoria Legal Aid, have an obligation to make the necessary changes to prevent further deaths in custody, including by closely examining our practices when a death has occurred.

Inquests are important opportunities to learn about and understand the events that led to someone’s death, and to identify changes that should made at a systemic level. We will assist the Coroner’s Court of Victoria in any way we can, and we are open to any opportunity for improvement that is identified through the inquest process.

Media enquiries

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