A highly esteemed Australian Indigenous leader and published author has faced a regional Queensland court, where he has been accused of two counts of sexual assault.
Who Is Blackman?
Blackman, a well-known and prominent figure, has been a pillar of the Bundaberg community for years, advocating for Indigenous rights and treaties.In 2020, with funding from the National Museum, he co-authored the book “Colonisation Through Black Eyes” with Lysbeth Ford, which sought to tell the story of Aboriginal history through an Indigenous lens.
Speaking to media upon the book’s release, Blackman said the publication had been well-received nationally.
Blackman said he penned the book because the British or white farmers had written other accounts of Australia’s early modern history.
He added that “everyone in Parliament” had been issued a copy of the book.
Gidarjil Development Corporation, headed by Blackman, is an Indigenous-owned enterprise run by a board of eight directors from the Gurang and Gooreng Gooreng peoples.
In one of his many public appearances in 2022, Blackman joined then Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon to welcome $102,000 (US$65,600) for Indigenous sea rangers. Blackman praised the funding for enabling female rangers to lead local water monitoring.
“Traditionally, women in Port Curtis Coral Coast sea country have had a custodial role to look after the waterways and through this project they are being supported to continue this vital role,” he said at the time.
“This continues to be a very exciting project for our traditional owners as we have deep and enduring spiritual connections to our land and sea country.”
In 2023, local media named Blackman the 28th most influential person in the Bundaberg region for his work in Indigenous, political, and environmental advocacy.
That same year, Blackman made headlines for challenging Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on his position on the failed Voice referendum.
Blackman accused Dutton of “tapping into racist Australia” to rally support against the move.
The Indigenous leader has long been an outspoken critic of conservative governments in Australia.
The Gidarjil Development Corporation was contacted for comment.
Blackman has been a staunch advocate for a treaty.
An Indigenous treaty in Australia would involve the acknowledgement that Indigenous people are a distinct political community, different to other Australians because of their history on the land.
A treaty involves both sides committing to responsibilities, promises, and principles that bind them in a mutual relationship of shared responsibility.
