Statement attributable to Shaun Austin, brother of Clinton Austin: 
“My name is Shaun Austin. I am a Gundijtmara and Wiradjuri man. I am Clinton’s twin brother. I’m also here with our family members – too many to name.  

Clinton was not just my twin brother, but my best friend, my mentor and teacher who taught me so much about our culture and where we came from. 

He was a proud Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri man and a devoted father. He was working hard to be reunited with his son. It breaks my heart that this reunion will never be able to happen. 

Clinton was a kind and generous person who had a big heart. Despite his struggles, he always found joy in decorating his house for Christmas and spoiling the kids with their favourite sweets and chocolates. He would go to great lengths to find lots of treats just for the kids. 

He was a caring and compassionate person who was deeply loved by those who knew him. He wanted to share his talent and passion for art with others by being an Aboriginal art teacher, this was his dream. He mentored other people in prison to help them with their art. 
 
He would always talk to me and tell me how he had his heart set on turning his life around and doing the right thing. I know that he would have gotten there, if the opportunity was not tragically taken away from him. There is a lot that Clinton was looking forward to achieving in his life. This is the hardest part for me to accept.  

He was determined to improve his health, so that he could start having a proper relationship and see his son when he was released on parole. I spoke to him regularly while he was in prison, at least two or three times a week. He told me that he was saving all his money for his phone calls with me.  
 
There are a lot of questions about what happened in the lead-up to Clinton’s death. As a family we have spent a lot of time wondering what happened and why. Why would a 38 year old man die suddenly in prison? 
 
Since Clinton passed away, our family hasn’t been the same.  
 
Clinton was the one who taught me everything I know about our culture and Aboriginality. As his brother I feel like it is my responsibility to be Clinton’s voice. To advocate for him as best as I can. I stand here today surrounded by our family. We are all here for the same reason – to get justice for Clinton and to make real change. 

I believe that my brother deserved better from the justice system, and it failed him. I hope that that over the next three weeks, the coroner’s investigation will lead to meaningful and significant changes to the prison and healthcare system. We have to make sure the health and wellbeing of people in prison is properly taken care of.  

To my brother and best friend Clinton, I will not stop fighting for you. I will fight to make any changes that are possible, not only for other Aboriginal people going through the justice system, but for anyone who has to go through it. I know that this is what you would want.” 

  
Quotes attributable to Nerita Waight, CEO of VALS 
“VALS is honoured to represent Clinton Austin’s family during the Inquest of into his tragic death in custody in 2022. While I am proud of the strength and courage Clinton’s family have shown over the nearly three years since his passing, it is heartbreaking to be here yet again, seeing the devastation that losing a loved one causes our community.”  
 
“582 Aboriginal lives have been lost in custody, since the Royal Commission – 582 families who will never see their loved one again. How many more families must experience such profound grief and suffering for the Allan Labor Government to hear our calls for life-saving reform?” 
 
“It’s unacceptable for families to continue to bear the burden of advocacy while grieving for their loved ones. We remember Clinton for who he was – a much-loved father, brother and son, a talented artist and aspiring teacher. VALS will continue to stand alongside his family throughout this Inquest in calling for answers and the truth.”