The National Network are heartbroken to learn of the death of Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, a 32-year-old mother who died in custody at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre while on remand.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones and our hearts break for her little one, Sophia – a three-year-old child whose life has also ended in unimaginable tragedy,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This is a devastating loss all around. There is no comfort to be found in this moment – only grief, sorrow, and an urgent call for reflection,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Lauren was not convicted. She was still awaiting trial – denied the presumption of innocence and instead subjected to trial by media and public opinion. She was labelled before she had the chance to speak. She was judged before anyone had heard her side of the story. This reality is faced by so many who are criminalised – especially women, and particularly mothers – in this punitive system,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Prisons are not places of healing or safety. They are violent institutions that cannot support those who are most in need of care,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘It is clear Lauren was unwell. She needed support, treatment, and care – not a prison cell. Now, she will never have the opportunity to share her truth, to tell her story, or to seek justice in a system that should have protected her right to be heard,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘We acknowledge the profound grief for the child, Sophia. That grief is real and deep. But we must also be able to hold space for compassion and understanding for Lauren – as a woman, as a mother, as someone who was clearly struggling. These truths are not in competition. As a community, we must have the courage and capacity to hold them both at once,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This tragedy should never have happened. We must do and be better. We must create a society where women in crisis are met with care – not cages. Where trauma is met with support – not punishment. Where justice means more than retribution,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
The National Network call for transparency, accountability, and an immediate investigation into Lauren’s death. But more than that, we call for a radical rethinking of how we respond to women in need of support.
There must never be another death like this.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.
