Australia’s ‘pioneer’ colonists profited from slavery. That truth must be acknowledged

The veil is slowly being lifted on the forced or coerced migration – ‘blackbirding’ – of Pacific Islanders for labour. The statue of Robert Towns was vandalised in 2020 – the hands daubed in red paint to symbolise blood. I’d never endorse the vandalisation of public property. I’d far prefer to see an additional plaque placed permanently on or near such a statue dedicated to telling the terrible truth about Towns.

Australia