Brett Duroux: Clarence Indigenous Aboriginal Party of Australia state election candidate pleads guilty to hitting ex-partner

A prominent Clarence man who ran for the Indigenous Aboriginal Party of Australia in the 2023 state election has faced court after striking his partner.

Brett Duroux when he was running in the seat of Clarence at this year’s state election. Picture: Matt Gazy

A prominent Clarence man who has run for both state and federal parliament as part of the Indigenous Aboriginal Party of Australia has been convicted of hitting his partner.

Brett Duroux faced Grafton Local Court on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to one count of common assault, listed as a domestic violence offence.

The 50-year-old’s offending was outlined documents tendered to the court.

Duroux was in Grafton township with his then-partner of 13 years when they began to argue on May 17 last year.

The woman left and went to a friend’s home to try to defuse the situation.

Brett Duroux outside Grafton Local Court.

“About an hour later (Duroux) attended the victim’s location to pick her up, where he demanded she ‘get in the car’,” police facts state.

Duroux then drove towards Coutts Crossing and demanded the woman remove a ring from her finger, which sparked another argument between the pair.

“During this argument (Duroux) hit the victim in the face with the back of his hand, connecting with her face … ,” police state.

“(She) attempted to shield her face using her own hands however was unsuccessful.

“Once the victim and (Duroux) arrived at their house, the victim got out of the vehicle under the pretence of opening the front gate, however, ran from the vehicle and hid in the bushes.

“A short time later, (Duroux) collected some belongings and left the house.”

In court, Duroux - described as a proud Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Yaegl man - was supported by his father.

Duroux’s defence told the court he was a person of good character and involved in mentoring indigenous youth in the area, which involved on trips to help build connection to country and teach them about their culture.

“He is very well respected in the community,” the court was told.

Duroux’s run for state and federal elections and position as chairman of the Gugiyn Balun Aboriginal Corporation was raised in court.

Brett Duroux when he was campaigning for the Indigenous Aboriginal Party at the NSW state election ballot draw at Grafton. Picture: Matt Gazy

Earlier this year, as Duroux was running for election in Clarence, he provided a profile to this publication, alongside the other candidates.

Duroux did not get up and Richie Williamson of The Nationals was elected as MP.

Duroux said at the time he believed electing an Aboriginal candidate “who really cares about Aboriginal people and others who are doing it tough is the best chance for real change”.

“Many issues affecting Aboriginal people also affect anyone struggling in Clarence, but non-Indigenous people will only be able to walk around with their held high when justice is done for the first custodians of this land,” he wrote.

“Justice for indigenous people will set all Australians free.”

Magistrate Juliana Crofts said there was nothing in Duroux’s criminal history to indicate he had a violent nature, despite the guilty plea.

She lauded Duroux for the work he does for Clarence indigenous community, but said a conviction could not be avoided.

“I can’t regard this as a trivial offence when someone had a strike to the face,” she said.

Duroux was convicted and sentenced to serve a 12-month conditional release order.