As with previous pandemics, there was considerable concern that COVID-19 would disproportionally affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Despite negative predictions, infection rates have (as of January 2021) been low. However, there is concern that the public health responses to COVID-19 (including social distancing, lockdowns and limits to the number of people at gatherings) will disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is because they increase disconnection from family, community, culture and country – key social determinants of health and wellbeing for Indigenous peoples, and especially for Stolen Generations survivors.

This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 and the associated restrictions on Stolen Generations survivors. It highlights how the restrictions aimed at protecting survivors are at the same time negatively impacting their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The issues raised here will need further research if responses to future pandemics are to move beyond individual and community protection to a more holistic concept of care and support for Stolen Generations survivors.