The video circulating online over the past 24 hours is deeply disturbing and unsettling to watch. This is a representation of the violence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people can face every day. As a nation, we have work to do to better protect them.
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People condemns the use of unreasonable force. Our work is grounded in the protection and promotion of the rights and well-being of First Nations children and young people. This video is an example of the damaging entrenched colonial attitudes towards First Nations peoples, which leads to our children being demonised and dehumanised.
The National Commission calls on the Western Australian police to immediately conduct an investigation into this matter. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people have the right to feel safe in their communities.