URGENT UPDATE: A family of two Aboriginal brothers, now aged 11 and 13, has filed a racial discrimination case in the Federal Court after enduring over 150 home bail checks by NSW Police in less than two years. The disruptive police visits, often occurring late at night, have left the children terrified and their mother deeply concerned for their well-being.
The mother, identified only as Megan for legal reasons, described the harrowing experience. Multiple police officers would arrive at her home, knocking loudly, shining torches, and banging on windows during these checks. “If they were sleeping and too tired to get up, I’d have to let anywhere between two to four police officers come inside to see if they were in their bed and had their PJs on,” she stated.
The relentless checks have taken a toll on the family. “It got to the point where it was too much. My children were too tired to go to school, and I lost my job,” Megan explained. The psychological impact has been severe, with her sons now hesitant to visit friends or family due to their fear of police encounters.
In response to the family’s complaints, the Australian Human Rights Commission attempted to mediate but failed to reach a resolution with the police force. Now, the family is taking their quest for justice to the Federal Court, demanding that police reconsider their approach when interacting with Aboriginal people. “Life was happy until police started to come and do that,” Megan lamented.
Legal representation for the family, Grace Gooley from the Justice and Equity Centre, highlighted that such checks are alarmingly common for young people on bail in New South Wales. She criticized the manner in which these checks are conducted, labeling them as “unnecessarily disruptive” and pointing out that police have not been following proper procedures, including obtaining court authorization before conducting such checks.
Recent analysis of NSW Police data revealed a troubling trend: Aboriginal children face 42 percent more bail checks on average and are twice as likely to undergo “very frequent” checks, defined as more than 11 visits in 30 days. “We have heard from many other Aboriginal young people who are experiencing the same level of disruption and harassment,” Gooley emphasized, noting that the issues faced by Megan’s family are not isolated incidents.
The family’s experience underscores a significant concern regarding policing practices in New South Wales, calling for urgent reform. “It’s time for NSW Police to look at what’s going on and start to change these practices,” Gooley urged, as the community watches closely.
This developing story raises crucial questions about policing methods and their impact on vulnerable communities, particularly Aboriginal youth. As the Federal Court prepares to hear the case, the implications could reshape how police conduct bail checks in the future, potentially fostering a safer environment for young people across the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
