In a move long called for by advocates, academics, and families of those who have died behind bars, all deaths in custody will now be reported in real-time. More than 540 Indigenous Australians have died in custody since a Royal Commission into the issue was finalised in 1991 – yesterday, Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said it is a “national shame”. Since then, the Australian Institute of Criminology has reported Indigenous deaths in custody every quarter, but experts say more timely data will prevent, identify, and resolve issues faster. Advocates say it will also help to hold governments accountable. The updated information will track deaths occurring in police/prison custody and in youth detention centres. Apryl Watson – the daughter of Tanya Day, who died in custody in 2017 – said the data won’t do anything alone, but “alongside preventative and accountability measures, I think that could make a difference.”