'How many beers have you had?': Flood evacuees claim racial profiling at emergency housing

Residents evacuated from remote Northern Territory communities due to catastrophic flooding are voicing serious concerns about their treatment at emergency accommodation in Batchelor. For the past month, individuals from Palumpa and Daly River / Nauiyu have been housed at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, where they feel subjected to demeaning and discriminatory practices by private security guards. The core of their complaint centers on alleged racial profiling and a pervasive atmosphere that makes them feel like prisoners rather than victims of natural disaster.

“

If you walk down to the store and come back, the first thing they ask you is 'How many beers have you had today?'

James Parry, a resident from Daly River, articulated the frustration felt by many. He described being routinely questioned about alcohol consumption upon returning from simple errands, leading to conflict when he denies drinking. The constant searching of vehicles and personal bags upon entry and exit is seen as an invasion of privacy, particularly given that these individuals have lost their homes and are seeking safety and support. This intrusive security, coupled with a perceived lack of communication about returning home, has created a hostile environment.

“

You try and tell them 'I haven't been at the pub' and that's where the conflict starts.

Another resident, speaking anonymously, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the feeling of being constantly monitored and questioned, even early in the morning. The focus on rules and restrictions, rather than on providing updates about their homes or offering a sense of normalcy, has led to disillusionment, with fewer residents attending community meetings. This situation is particularly galling given that Aboriginal organizations like APONT offered assistance weeks ago but received no response from the NT government, which instead opted for university students.

“

They're treating us like prisoners, it's terrible.

While the NT government maintains that the security measures, including bag and vehicle checks, are necessary to ensure a safe, respectful, and alcohol-free environment for all residents and staff, the evacuees' experiences suggest a significant disconnect. From the perspective of those displaced, these measures feel excessive and discriminatory, exacerbating their trauma and undermining their dignity. The narrative from the ground paints a picture of a community in crisis, feeling further marginalized and mistreated by the very authorities meant to be assisting them.

“

You sign back in, your car gets searched — everybody gets told to get out of the car, and they search your bag and your private stuff, which is not right.