YOUNG Canberra Aboriginal man TJ Dennis took his own life in a NSW prison at the weekend. 

Mr Dennis was the subject of the shameful “hangman game”, where an Alexander Maconochie Centre staff member used the letters from his name. The prison service was forced to apologise to him in 2020. 

“His death was not only predictable, it was avoidable if only the ACT government had listened to the voices of those who sought to care for and/or who loved him,” said Julie Tongs.

In calling for an independent inquiry into Mr Dennis’ death, Ms Tongs, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service, said she and his doctors had insisted he required dedicated mental health care and it was imperative he be placed in Dulwah, a forensic mental  health facility.

Instead, she said, ACT Corrective Services ignored that advice and insisted the only appropriate placement for him was the forensic mental health facility at Long Bay Gaol. This recommendation was also ignored  and Mr Dennis was placed by the ACT in the NSW prison system in multiple prisons across the state. 

The decision by ACT Corrective Services to prevail upon the NSW prison service to assume responsibility for Mr Dennis’ incarceration and his care and protection was influenced by his having been the subject of the “vile and racist hangman  game” that shamefully adorned a staff tearoom at  the AMC.

Mr Dennis had a difficult and troubled childhood. He had significant and challenging mental health issues that led him inexorably into contact with the criminal justice system. Despite this he was held in deep affection by almost all who met him and took the time to know him. 

Ms Tongs said that Mr Dennis (or “TJ” as he was known) was a long time and much-loved client of Winnunga Nimmityjah and that his death came as a dreadful and deeply distressing shock to her, all at Winnunga that knew him, his many Aboriginal friends in the AMC and the broader Aboriginal community of Canberra. 

“To ensure that the avoidable tragedy of TJ’s death is not repeated, it is imperative that there be an independent inquiry into all the circumstances of TJ’s incarceration and treatment and care in the AMC, including the decision against the advice of his medical advisers to transfer him and/or detain him in a prison and not a forensic mental health facility,” she said. 

“The government and ACT Coroner must do everything possible to investigate and report on the  transportation of TJ to NSW, the nature and adequacy of the care he received  and the circumstances of his death.”