A tragic incident has occurred in Tasmania, where a young Aboriginal woman, Chelsea Bracken, aged 21, died while in custody at the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison. She experienced a serious medical episode on March 16, 2024, and was subsequently transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital, according to the Tasmania Prison Service. Ms. Bracken passed away in the hospital on March 18, 2024.
Her family is mourning her loss and described her as a “loving and vibrant individual” in a heartfelt statement. They have requested privacy during this difficult time, emphasizing their need for “respect, time, and space” to grieve. The family is receiving support from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, highlighting the community’s focus on her tragic death.
Jake Smith, the chief executive of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, expressed deep sorrow over Ms. Bracken’s passing, marking it as a significant loss for her family and the community. He pointed out the alarming statistic that Aboriginal people in Tasmania are five times more likely to be in custody compared to non-Aboriginal individuals.
The Director of Prisons, Narelle Pamplin, extended her condolences to Ms. Bracken’s family and confirmed that the matter will be referred to the coroner for further examination. “The Tasmania Prison Service will not be making any further comment at this time,” Ms. Pamplin stated.
Amidst this tragedy, advocacy groups are calling for urgent reform within the justice system. Alina Thomas, chief executive of Engender Equality, expressed her condolences and highlighted the concerning trends in Tasmania’s prison population. She noted that the state has seen the highest increase in adult prison population from 2014 to 2024, particularly among women prisoners.
Ms. Thomas reported that a staggering 98 percent of women inmates have experienced physical abuse, while 90 percent have survived sexual violence or childhood sexual assault. She stressed the need for a more trauma-informed approach among correctional staff, advocating for protocols to prevent further trauma to women in prison.
“While the circumstances of Chelsea’s incarceration and death are unclear,” she stated, “the factors leading to women entering and returning to prison are deeply complex. They often stem from intergenerational issues such as family and sexual violence, homelessness, poverty, and child removal.”
In light of this incident, there is a growing call for systemic changes to ensure that the justice system better supports victim-survivors, particularly women, in prison.
