*Content Warning: This episode of Doin' Time contains audio images and descriptions of Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander people who have died, in-depth discussion of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and other distressing content such as suicide in detention.
First up on the program, Marisa invites proud Gunditjmara woman Jill Gallagher, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), on the program for the very first time to talk about her work, particularly in the decriminalisation of public intoxication, where Victoria's draconian laws continue to create an unsafe environment for all, and disproportinately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She discusses the 2017 death in custody of much-loved Yorta Yorta mother Tanya Day, and also her work over the past two years reviewing the culture of correctional services.
Next, Marisa is joined by Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), who provides a comprehensive summary of the findings of Coronial Inquest of the death in custody of Veronica Nelson, which were handed down last Monday, 30 January 2023.
Finally, Marisa interviews Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition, who calls for a full investigation on the suspected suicide of the young detainee found hanging in Villawood Detention Centre, the fourth or fifth since 2019 at this centre alone. He also gives an update on the campaign to free asylum seekers and refugees from detention, and why we need to act immediately to stop human rights abuses towards non-citizens, particularly in regards to Section 501 of the Australian Migration Act.
Marisa