Family waits for death in custody answers

Four months after West Australian Premier Colin Barnett promised to do more about Aboriginal deaths in custody and get answers for the family of Julieka Dhu, protesters say nothing has been done.

A second rally was held at parliament on Wednesday with a small but vocal group handing over a petition with more than 60,000 signatures, which will be tabled in parliament on Thursday.

Protesters called on the government to implement measures to prevent further deaths in custody including ending imprisonment for non-payment of fines, a 24-hour mandatory custody notification service, and 24-hour medical coverage at all prisons and lock-ups.

They also demanded answers about the death of Ms Dhu, 22, who died on August 4 after being held at the South Hedland Police Station because she reportedly owed about $1000 in unpaid fines.

Police said at the time that after complaining of feeling ill, Ms Dhu was taken to hospital three times and died on the final visit.

Mr Barnett made a "personal commitment" in October to work with ministers to reduce the number of Aboriginal people in the state's jail system and deaths in custody.

He also spoke with Ms Dhu's mother, Della Roe.

But on Wednesday, Ms Roe said she was still waiting for answers.

"The number one question I want to ask is what happened to my child and why did it happen to my child?" Ms Roe told reporters.

"I don't know how you can go home and have a fine sleep when we're home trying to do our best and live our life and we can't because we've got this thing on top of our head because we've got no answers."

The premier, who was mobbed by protesters at the first rally, did not address the crowd on Wednesday.

He said on Tuesday that he did not yet have answers for Ms Dhu's family, but the issue was being taken very seriously.

It is understood Mr Barnett will aim to meet the family in Port Hedland in April.

A coronial inquest has not yet been held for Ms Dhu.