Australia's 'pioneer' colonists profited from slavery. That truth must be acknowledged | Paul Daley
Guardian AU
β’Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:00:07 GMT
π° What Happened
A new opinion piece argues Australia must acknowledge that some of its pioneer colonists profited from slavery. The author focuses on blackbirding, the forced or coerced migration of Pacific Islanders for labour. Robert Towns, the colonist after whom Townsville is named, is described as one of many who benefited hugely from the trade. The article says the veil is slowly being lifted on this part of history.
π The Backstory
Between 1860 and 1906, about 62,000 Pacific Islanders were brought to Australia, many forced to work in colonies under brutal conditions. Townsville's Robert Towns and Queensland's John Mackay, another city namesake, were among those involved. The term blackbirding comes directly from the African slave trade. For years, history has treated these men as civic-minded entrepreneurs rather than profiteers of slavery.
π― Why It Matters
Naming the dark parts of history changes how a nation sees itself. Honest acknowledgment of the past matters for the descendants of those who suffered and for everyone who shares Australian history.
A new opinion piece argues Australia must acknowledge that some of its pioneer colonists profited from slavery. The author focuses on blackbirding, the forced or coerced migration of Pacific Islanders for labour. Robert Towns, the colonist after whom Townsville is named, is described as one of many who benefited hugely from the trade. The article says the veil is slowly being lifted on this part of history.
Between 1860 and 1906, about 62,000 Pacific Islanders were brought to Australia, many forced to work in colonies under brutal conditions. Townsville's Robert Towns and Queensland's John Mackay, another city namesake, were among those involved. The term blackbirding comes directly from the African slave trade. For years, history has treated these men as civic-minded entrepreneurs rather than profiteers of slavery.
Naming the dark parts of history changes how a nation sees itself. Honest acknowledgment of the past matters for the descendants of those who suffered and for everyone who shares Australian history.