The Black Lives Matter movement has spread with a vengeance
to Australia. Given the appalling record of treatment of Aboriginal people by policing
authorities here over several decades this is hardly surprising. Australians
were quick to show their solidarity with black Americans and capitalise on the worldwide
outcry over the murder of George Floyd and large Black Lives Matter (BLM)
rallies were organised for every Australian capital. Admirable and understandable,
but the timing is tragically wrong. Still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic the
Prime Minister and chief medical officer urged people not to take part. Large public
gatherings of this kind are notorious for allowing viruses to spread, but
people turned out in their thousands.
In another time with
no pandemic hovering over us I’d have been there too. But this was a time when
something bigger is at stake. It’s not about me. It’s not about people of
colour. It’s about the entire community. History provides examples of how such
large public gatherings enabled pandemic viruses to launch a second wave (Spanish
Flu 1918).
To their credit BLM organisers urged everyone to wear masks
and practice social distancing. In QLD police actually handed out masks to
those who needed them. And from all reports crowds in all states did for the
most part practice social distancing. But it’s the 10% who didn’t who are the
problem. They may have infected those around them and tracing those they have been
in contact with could be a nightmare – even with the COVID-19 Tracing App.
The night before the demonstrations arch government conservative
Matthias Cormann went on TV to say that he thought BLM protesters were being selfish.
Normally when this man speaks I cringe and revile at his manner and opinions.
On this occasion I found myself quietly, embarrassingly, thinking, ‘I agree with
him’. BLM protesters put the legitimate concerns of a section of the community above
the needs of the whole community. In 10-14 days’ time we’ll find out if we are
to be punished for that selfishness. It may be the virus is so scarce in Australia
that these mass demonstrations won’t make any difference to the number of
cases. If so, that would be miraculous.
In the meantime BLM organisers and the AMA are asking all
who took part to self-isolate for 14 days. I wonder how many will. Right now I’m angry about it. I feel the BLM
marches have jeopardised the health of the entire community and acted to ensure
that the economic recovery required for all those who’ve lost their jobs will
be put back several weeks – if not months. And more people could die unnecessarily.
But I really hope I’m wrong. Check back with me 2 weeks from now ……
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