The Northern Land Council's temporary suspension of permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC area has been lifted for permit holders that are not affected by the extended Katherine lockdown.

These changes are consistent with information provided by Chief Minister Michael Gunner on August 19 that was based on advice from the Chief Health Officer and on the expectation that the NLC will do its best to keep communities throughout the NLC area safe and secure.

Acting NLC CEO Joe Martin-Jard said that: "Keeping remote communities and homelands in the NLC area safe is the key priority for the NLC. People are expected to make sure they are aware of and to follow the rules set by the NT government.

"We remind all permit holders that want to enter Aboriginal Land that in addition to following those rules they should take all necessary extra steps to keep themselves and the community safe."

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi has called for all workers that enter Aboriginal land to be vaccinated.

"Traditional owners and community members are telling us loud and clear they don't want unvaccinated workers travelling into their communities and homelands," Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

"We know that across the country others are showing the way in how we respond to this virus and our mob expects the NLC to do our best to keep them safe and secure.

"We will be reviewing our permit terms and conditions as a matter of urgency."

The NLC recommends the NT government's Coronavirus NT website for accurate and up-todate information: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/.

EARLIER:

The Northern Land Council has suspended permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC region from 12 midday on August 16, 2021 until further notice.

The decision follows the announcement from the NT government that the Greater Darwin and Katherine regions will enter a 72-hour snap lockdown after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis was returned on a person who had been in Darwin and Katherine.

NLC Acting CEO Joe Martin-Jard said he and Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi made the decision to suspend permits due to serious concerns expressed by Traditional Owners in the NLC area.

"In order to limit movement in and out of Aboriginal communities, we are suspending permits today, until further notice," Mr Martin-Jard said.

"There's a real risk that the virus could get into our communities and we have to do everything we can to keep our elders and our entire communities safe."

NLC Chairman Mr Bush-Blanasi encouraged Aboriginal people to stay on country where possible, to stay safe and get vaccinated.

"If you don't need to travel, don't. Stay at home in your community or on your homeland with your family. If you have the opportunity to get vaccinated then get it done."

The NLC will only process permits for Essential Workers - as defined by the Northern Territory Government - during this period.

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