Tammy Shipley, a 47-year-old mother, tragically died in custody at Silverwater women’s correctional centre in New South Wales due to water intoxication, following her consumption of at least 67 cups of water over a 12-hour period. Her death occurred on December 20, 2022, after she had been arrested on minor shoplifting charges. The circumstances surrounding her prolonged detention while she was mentally unwell were brought into question when the inquest into her death began in September 2024.

The inquest faced challenges from the police commissioner regarding the extent of the coroner’s jurisdiction to investigate the circumstances leading to Shipley’s arrest and detention. However, the Supreme Court of New South Wales upheld that the coroner could examine these matters, affirming the need for accountability in cases of custody-related deaths. The resumed inquest, overseen by state coroner Teresa O’Sullivan, aims to shed light on the decisions that led to Shipley remaining in custody despite her mental health issues.

The opening address at the inquest highlighted the concerning details of Shipley's condition and the events of her final hours. Counsel assisting the coroner, Peggy Dwyer SC, is expected to present evidence over the week-long hearing that may reveal systemic issues within the correctional system that could contribute to similar tragic outcomes in the future. This case not only raises questions about individual cases but also about the policies and practices in place for the treatment of mentally unwell individuals in custodial settings.