The Coronial Inquest into the death in custody of an Aboriginal woman at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Melbourne’s west will interrogate healthcare systems within Victorian prisons.
Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman, Veronica Marie Nelson, died in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in January of 2020.
Ms Nelson was arrested in Melbourne on suspicion of shoplifting. Appearing in court without a lawyer, Ms Nelson refused bail and she was placed in custody at the prison on December 30 of 2019.
Three days later, she was found dead in her cell. She was 37.
Ms Nelson had Wilkie’s syndrome, a medical condition that causes restriction of the arteries. Initial investigations into her death found that she had attempted to contact medical staff through a buzzer nine times. She was supplied with painkillers and anti-nausea medication and left in her cell.
The 5-week inquest begins in Melbourne on Tuesday and is set to examine the provision of healthcare in the prison, the state’s bail laws and the influence of Ms Nelson’s Aboriginality on the circumstances of her death.
“Veronica shouldn’t have been in prison. She shouldn’t have died. I want to know what happened. I want someone to be held accountable," said Ms Nelson's partner, Percy Lovett.
Ms Nelson's mother, Aunty Donna Nelson said the inquest is part of the bigger issue of conditions for Aboriginal people in custody.
“The lessons learned from this inquest must stop my people from dying in custody. But let's not lose focus. This inquest is first and foremost about Veronica, and how a broken criminal justice system locked my daughter up and let her die while she begged for help, over and over,” said Ms Nelson’s mother Aunty Donna Nelson.
“We are still connected spiritually and her spirit won't rest until those who are responsible for Veronica's death are exposed and held to account. Only then will my Poccum be free.”
A photo of Veronica from her younger years. Source: Supplied
'A very strong woman'
A well-respected member of the Fitzroy Aboriginal community, Ms Nelson is remembered as a deeply spiritual woman. She had a strong connection to her culture and shared that with her family and those close to her.
“Veronica was a very strong woman. She was also a very brainy person. She taught me so much about our culture. Whenever she would talk about Blackfellas, the stories she would come out with were unreal. She knew a hell of a lot more than me. She really woke me up and made me listen,” said Mr Lovett.
Mr Lovett said after two years, Ms Nelson's absence is still painful.
“Veronica was my other half, we did everything together. We had plans for the future. Even now it spins me out how much I miss her,” he said.
“I walk downstairs and I still expect her to be walking around the corner. I loved her very much and I am missing her that much I don’t know what to do with myself.”
With 10 children and 6 siblings, Ms Nelson left behind a loving family, who will remember her as someone who loved deeply and made the world a better place.
“Veronica was always helping people. She would help people if she saw them in the street,” said Mr Lovett.
“She always made sure you were well off, that you had everything you needed. If you didn’t have it, she would go out and get it. She never knocked anybody if they needed help.”
