This story follows the life of Clarence White, a Gamilaraay man who struggled with substance abuse and spent most of his life in prison. His story highlights the 'gap' between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, particularly in areas like justice and health.
WARNING: This story contains images of First Nations people who are no longer with us."I was an alcoholic by the time I turned 11," the Gamilaraay man, who is one of 15 siblings, told the ABC's Indigenous Affairs Team.Doctors in the northern New South Wales town of Moree were so shocked at Clarence's alcohol intake — which he recalled from his 1970s childhood — that they told him they were surprised he survived.
Reasons for reoffending varied for Clarence, 55, he said, because "living out is like being in jail and being in jail is like being home".Later, when his baby brother David White, who lived with a visual impairment, entered prison, Clarence chose to commit crimes so he could return to his brother inside.
The federal, state and territory governments, along with peak bodies, have committed to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples across 19 key areas including health, education, employment and justice."Our government is investing in the practical partnerships that work, and bringing the building blocks of a good life to people and communities that have been cut off from them too long."
"And also many, many people are on remand, what other options could we look at instead of overcrowding in remand?""This is about putting states and territories on notice as well, that we have to have other options to assist people, especially First Nations families, to look at other alternatives other than prison.
Indigenous Australians Incarceration Rate Closing The Gap Health Disparities Justice System
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