Скачать или смотреть Tensions grow over border force controls at Australia-PNG border

Indigenous leaders living on the Australian-PNG border are calling for unrestricted travel to resume between the two countries after border force patrols blocked movement due to the threat of COVID-19.

Saibai Island in the Torres Strait marks the frontline for protecting Australia's border from the threat of COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea.

Local villagers who could previously travel freely between the countries are now being blocked by Border Force although there have been breaches.

The four kilometre stretch of water separating Australia and Papua New Guinea is now patrolled 24/7 and the island has a heavy police presence.

The Torres Strait Treaty allowed locals to travel freely in the region prior to the pandemic but it has since been halted - splitting families apart.