Emma Pritchard

A newly launched national Indigenous political party recently registered by the Australian Electoral Commission will be represented by a candidate from the Clarence Valley at the 2022 federal election.

Describing himself as excited by the journey that awaits him, Brett Duroux of Coutts Crossing will contest the seat of Page as a member of the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia (IPA).

Representing First Nations issues, the IPA was formed by Uncle Owen Whyman, a proud Paakindji and Malyangapa man from Wilcannia in north-western NSW.

Motivated to establish a political party focused on delivering positive change and to give more First Nations peoples a political voice, the IPA is campaigning for better housing conditions, the preservation of sacred sites, the promotion of traditional land management, to end Indigenous incarceration, gain support for Indigenous businesses and increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, free the Aboriginal flag, provide additional support to allow Indigenous children to remain with their families, and encourage more Indigenous peoples to enter parliament.

Following the official registration of the IPA late last year, Mr Whyman said he is over the moon and thrilled for Indigenous peoples across the country.

“We now have a voice in parliament,” he said, adding the IPA is assembling a great team of representatives, including Mr Duroux.

“The people of the Clarence Valley should be very proud of him for putting up his hand and contesting the seat of Page.

“He’s a good man, he loves his community and I encourage everyone in the area to get behind him and show him their support.

“He is a part of history in the making.”

A proud Yaegl, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man, Mr Duroux said in representing the IPA at the federal election, he is campaigning for his local community to give them a strong voice and leadership, to promote respect for the land, encourage unity and equality and advocate the policies of his party in parliament.  

Mr Duroux currently works at the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council and is the Chairperson of Gugiyn Balun Aboriginal Corporation.

While he had never previously considered entering politics, he is looking forward to a lot of legwork during the next few months and spending time meeting and speaking with members of the Clarence Valley community.

“What interests me is talking to people about their concerns and getting answers for them, and helping my community in any way I can,” he said.

“I believe in positive change for our community.

“I also want to focus on strengthening the relationships between Land Councils and traditional owners and encourage them to work together.”

Mr Duroux said he is looking forward to campaigning in the lead up to the federal election and is welcoming community consultation.

For more information, please visit www.indigenouspartyofaustralia.com