Kerry Blackman charged with sexual assault, to go to trial

A prominent Qld Indigenous leader and author widely recognised for his contributions to the community will stand trial on sexual assault charges.

Prominent Bundaberg Indigenous leader, academic and author Dr Kerry Blackman will stand trial over an alleged sexual assault after his case was found to have sufficient evidence to be committed to the District Court.

Prominent Bundaberg Indigenous leader, academic and author Dr Kerry Blackman will stand trial over an alleged sexual assault after his case was found to have sufficient evidence to be committed to the District Court.

The Gidarjil Development Corporation CEO has not entered a plea at the Bundaberg Magistrates Court, where his case returned on Tuesday for a committal-hand-up hearing on two charges of sexual assault.

Mr Blackman is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions on dates between September 2017 and July 2023, the court heard,

Police Prosecutor Leon Casey presented a number of witness statement letters to the court along with copies of text messages and investigation transcripts during the hearing.

The matter will next be heard in Bundaberg District Court on a date yet to be confirmed.

Prominent Bundaberg Indigenous leader, academic and author Dr Kerry Blackman will stand trial over an alleged sexual assault after his case was found to have sufficient evidence to be committed to the District Court.

Dr Blackman is widely recognised for his leadership and contributions to Indigenous causes.

His book, Colonisation Through Black Eyes, co-authored with linguist Dr Lysbeth Ford, was launched at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in 2020.

In addition to his work as an author and community leader, Dr Blackman has been outspoken on national issues.

In 2023 he criticised Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s stance against the Voice to Parliament referendum.