Mass riots in rural town force hundreds to flee
<p>A violent disturbance in the Queensland town of Aurukun has seen about 300 people fleeing, with the state government sending in disaster response experts.</p>
<p>More than one-fifth of the town’s 1,400 population have evacuated to other communities throughout Cape York after the alleged murder of a 37-year-old man triggered violence and arson on New Year’s Day.</p>
<p>Eight homes were torched, prompting many residents to flee to a makeshift camp about 80km from the town, <em><a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/disaster-response-expert-sent-to-aurukun-20200129-p53vp7.html">AAP</a> </em>reported. Others went to nearby communities including Coen, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Laura, Mapoon, Napranum and Pormpuraaw.</p>
<p>29 people have been arrested and charged with 120 offences related to the riots.</p>
<p>Far North Queensland Senior Sergeant Duane Amos and officer Tracey Harding have been called in as response co-ordinators. The two are tasked with leading “a coordinated, case-management approach to addressing the current needs of displaced Aurukun residents”.</p>
<p>Additional police have been deployed to Aurukun to maintain calm amid <a href="https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/aurukun-riots-duane-amos-and-tracey-harding-to-help-displaced-refugees/news-story/2bb361e16262db24e1b6de1679859ef6">threat of ongoing violence</a> as work continues to repair damaged properties in the city.</p>
