Racism concerns in Port Augusta

Concerns have emerged about racially discrimination in the Port Augusta Council area towards Aboriginal people gathering in public spaces.

This follows a decision by the local council and police to call in extra police, including the STAR Force Tactical Response unit, to crack down on “antisocial behaviour”. The Port Augusta Council wants Aboriginal people whom the Council considers to be “terrorising” the public, moved on from certain public places in Port Augusta. Among Aboriginal people who are of concern to the Council are traditional summer season visitors from the Anungu Pitjanjatjara Lands.

Over 50 people were arrested in the week following the Council's decision. On February 9 a local Minister with the Uniting Church Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress was arrested for refusing to move on when he encountered police "acting roughly" towards Aboriginal people under a bridge where they gather.

It has also been reported that "racist vigilante attacks" against Aboriginal youth have occurred since the crackdown.

Others have linked the crackdown to recent development of Port Augusta's foreshore.

ANTaR SA has written to the SA Government expressing concern that the "heavy-handed" reaction will "aggravate" race relations and "would be contrary to the best interests of reconciliation".

Further developments will be updated on this website.