Clarifying COVID-19 restrictions for Australia's First Peoples

The National Justice Project, National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) and UTS Jumbunna have worked together to clarify and communicate restrictions relating to COVID-19 activities for First Nations people living in remote communities across the country.

The series of factsheets, which are being shared below, summarise the various public health directions issued as a result of the pandemic in each State and Territory and address the stricter measures being imposed on Indigenous Australians living in remote communities. By disseminating the information, the contributors hope to ensure that those living in these communities are aware of their rights under the lockdown measures as they currently stand.

Key information being shared by the National Justice Project, NATSILS and UTS Jumbunna addresses rights and restrictions applying to metropolitan areas and remote Aboriginal communities, which include:

Caring for Elders
Community events including Sorry business and funerals
Restricted movement in and out of remote communities
Police enforcement powers and penalties and how best to respond to police requests

As restrictions begin to ease across the country and greater movement is allowed, those seeking further information and guidance can reach out to your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, Legal Aid or the National Justice Project for comprehensive advice.

These updates are current as at 1 December 2020.