The NLC extends permit suspension to 1pm Friday 9 July

On 29 June the NLC announced that it would extend the permit suspension until 1pm today, 2 July 2021.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said she and Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi made the decision to extend the permit suspension due to serious concerns expressed by Traditional Owners across the NLC area, including in the West Arnhem region, and in order to ensure that Aboriginal Territorians stayed safe.

“Essential services to remote communities will not be disrupted. All of the NLC’s Regional Offices will be able to process essential services access arrangements, but until we’re past this crisis we won’t be taking any chances,” said Ms Scrymgour.

“Our mob know that if it gets into remote communities and homelands it will be catastrophic. We all want to get back to business as usual as soon as possible but we have to err on the side of caution for now.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi encouraged Aboriginal people to stay safe and to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “I have a clear message for all our mob. If you don’t need to travel, stay at home in your community or homeland,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“I’ve got my first of two jabs and I want to encourage all you mob to get vaccinated. I know for some of you the vaccine has not been available yet at remote clinics and we’ve been telling the NT and Commonwealth governments to speed it up.”

The closure of the Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River announced on 1 July 2021 will continue until 1pm on Friday 9 July 2021 or until further notice.

More information:

A full list of occupations considered as Essential Worker is available here: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/business-and-work/essential-workers

Further information on COVID-19 measures is available at https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/updates