Cirrus@Austlit

'ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander people have an unrivalled 65.000-year history of continuous occupation that should be regarded as foundational in the fabric of our nation. Our cultures help shape our national identity. Yet in our nation's recent history our voices have been largely absent in the decision-making processes that govern our daily lives. The Government acknowledges this. In a recent interview. Australia's most respected paediatric epidemiologist. Professor Fiona Stanley, stated that because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people took control to protect our communities in response to COVID-19. our communities are doing better than almost any other in the world when it comes to resisting the spread of the deadly coronavirus.' (Introduction)