Clinton Austin named as Aboriginal man who died in custody at Loddon Prison

The devastated family of an Aboriginal prisoner who tragically died in custody say he was eligible for parole last year.

Corrections Victoria statement says an Aboriginal man’s death in custody will be referred to the Coroner.

The Aboriginal prisoner who died in custody at Loddon Prison on Sunday could have been released from custody last year, a legal service has said.

The death of Clinton Austin, a 38-year-old Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri artist, will be investigated by the coroner.

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive officer Nerita Waight said Mr Austin was eligible for parole last year.

Mr Austin’s family have expressed disbelief at his death.

A statement was released on their behalf by the legal service.

“Clinton was an artist, father, brother and son who had a big heart and a kind heart. People may know Clinton through his artwork, which he sold through the TORCH program.

“Clinton was meant to be getting out of prison. He had his heart set on being an Aboriginal art teacher. His heart was for his son, and for his art. He wanted to get out of prison and live right and do the right thing. Now he can’t do any of that.”

“We can’t believe Clinton is dead. We don’t know how we will face the next days.”

Loddon Prison in Castlemaine, Victoria. Picture: AAP

Ms Waight said Mr Austin was the second Aboriginal man to have died in custody in Victoria in the past month.

Mr Austin’s family said COVID-19 restrictions had meant extra lockdowns in the prison and delays in his parole hearing.

“He wasn’t able to see his family face-to-face. Clinton shouldn’t have been held in prison in those conditions. Clinton was eligible for parole last year. Why wasn’t he released when he was meant to be?”

“We want answers and a thorough investigation into how Clinton died. We don’t want anyone to be able to cover up any details. We want his death to be investigated so that people stop dying in prisons. We don’t want other families to have to go through what we are now going through.”

Corrections Victoria said the death of Mr Austin was a heartbreaking tragedy.

The Herald Sun understands there is no indication of suspicious circumstances relating to the death.

A Corrections Victoria statement said the death would be referred to the Coroner and that the organisation sent deep condolences to the man’s family.

“We recognise that all passings in custody impacts family, friends, victims and the broader Aboriginal community,” the statement said.

CV said it was providing support to the man’s family to ensure culturally appropriate notification and grieving processes were followed.

“The Aboriginal people in our care and staff are being supported and a smoking ceremony at Loddon Prison is being arranged,” the statement said.

“We will continue to support the family, consult with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and work alongside community organisations during this time.”

It said the Aboriginal Justice Caucus had been advised.

“The Coroners Court of Victoria will formally determine the cause of death, in accordance to their process,” the statement said.

“The department will publish non-identifying information regarding deaths in custody as soon as practical once the family or next of kin has been informed. If the next of kin requests that information is not published online, we will respect these wishes.”