Black Lives rallies put restrictions in spotlight

PROTESTS in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in America will be held in Brisbane and Byron Bay today.

Public outcry has spread globally, sparking protests and riots following the alleged murder of Minnesota man George Floyd by police.

The incident has shone the spotlight on systemic racism, with many Australians calling for more focus on indigenous deaths in custody.

The protests come as restrictions for gatherings to stop the spread of coronavirus remain in place. Currently only groups of 20 people may meet in public.

Queensland Police yesterday discouraged large groups from gathering but said they had been working alongside organisers to ensure social distancing was in place.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she hoped people would “respect health advice”.

“If you are thinking about protesting please think about staying at home and showing your support thought social media. If you do go we are asking people to be very mindful of social distancing and staying in family groups.”

Eddie Ruska, an elder and descendant of the Yuggera people of the Ipswich and descendant Koombermerri from the Gold Coast, said he would attend the Brisbane march.

“Our people are sick and tired of young people dying from things that are happening in the jail. We are 30 years after the royal commission and only some of the recommendations have been put through.”

Mr Ruska said Australians should not make the mistake of believing racism was a foreign concept. “Over 430-odd people have died in custody.”

Mr Ruska, who runs the Spirits of the Red Sand dance troupe, said if people wanted to show their support they should make an effort to educate themselves about indigenous culture and speak up.