However, it needs to find appropriate expression in these extraordinary and challenging times. Taking to the streets en masse, in rallies and marches where it is impossible to maintain social distancing, presents too many health risks.

There is mounting evidence coronavirus can spread further than the prescribed 1.5 metre social distancing protocol. It is believed to be carried in minute droplets expelled when people cough, sneeze or even when they talk loudly.

So thousands of people chanting and shouting together heightens the risk of triggering outbreaks. And, ironically, those most at risk are the very Indigenous people for whom protesters rightly want justice.

On this, both sides of federal politics agree. Both the prime minister and opposition leader have urged people to heed the health advice, which is to avoid mass gatherings of people.

That advice is why we can't go to the footy and see live performances. It's why we've seen large parts of the economy shut down and many families suffering as a result.

And as the infection rates continue to drop, the last thing anyone wants or needs is a second wave that will send us back into lockdown.

In the US, health officials in states which held large Memorial Day gatherings are already reporting upticks in infection rates. Across the country, they are nervously watching how those rates will trend after days of mass protests.

Balancing the right to protest against injustice and systemic racism with the responsibility to protect the population from a deadly virus is difficult - not just for governments but for the well intentioned protest organisers as well.

It is important the disgust at the death of George Floyd and, at home, the deaths in custody of Aboriginal people is expressed loudly enough that governments at every listen and act. When an Aboriginal person is 16.5 times more likely to die in custody than a non-Aboriginal person something is clearly broken. But that expression of anger should not cause even more deaths.