A new documentary titled Revealed – Joh: Last King of Queensland has recently aired on Stan, offering an in-depth exploration of former Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, a highly controversial figure in Australian politics. The documentary focuses on the turbulent events surrounding the 1971 Springboks tour of Australia, which ignited fierce anti-apartheid protests and violent clashes between demonstrators and police.
During this period of turmoil, Bjelke-Petersen declared a state of emergency, which historian Raymond Evans noted gave police unfettered power in dealing with protesters, leading to widespread fear and anxiety among citizens. The Queensland Police Union was assured by Bjelke-Petersen that officers would not face consequences for their actions in suppressing protests, further aggravating tensions.
Historically, the protests surrounding the tour were unprecedented, leaving community splits and familial rifts in their wake. Prominent rugby players, including seven members of the Wallabies, chose to boycott the matches in protest of the apartheid policies in South Africa, a move that later earned them recognition as the ‘Magnificent Seven.’ Their act of dissent sparked considerable discussion about agency and morality in sport against a backdrop of human rights abuses.
The documentary also delves into Bjelke-Petersen’s contentious administration, marked by increasing corruption that eventually led to his resignation in 1987 after a Royal Commission was convened. Director Kriv Stenders reflects on the lingering impact Bjelke-Petersen’s legacy has on modern Queensland, stating that despite his death in 2005, the essence of his influence persists in contemporary Australian society.
The documentary serves not only as a historical account but also as a reminder of the social tensions that still resonate today, inviting audiences to reflect on the intersection of sports, politics, and personal conscience.