This week, findings from the coronial inquest of the death in custody of Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson were handed down, with the coroner calling Victoria’s bail laws a “complete, unmitigated disaster”. The coroner also found that the state’s bail legislation – which was tightened in 2017 after the Bourke Street massacre – had a “discriminatory impact on First Nations people” leading to “grossly disproportionate rates of remand in custody”. 

The Wire speaks with CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) Nerita Waight to find out more about the need for an urgent overhaul of the carceral system. 

For statements from Veronica Nelson’s family, visit the VALS website.

Image: Image courtesy Nick Youngson via Creative Commons

Produced By: Anisha Pillarisetty

Featured In Story: Nerita Waight, CEO Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 2 February 2023