Derek is a proud Barkindji man from the federal seat of Parkes.

Living in Broken Hill and taking on the roles and responsibilities as CEO of the Barkindji Native Title group, Derek has been a prolific leader and advocate for Aboriginal people for most of his adult life.

An example of Derek’s down to earth, generous, and practical nature was demonstrated recently as Derek, with some other Indigenous Party executives organised the ‘Deliver-roo’ initiative during Covid lockdowns at Wilcannia. Food, especially, fresh food was difficult to obtain in remote NSW towns so Derek helped organise cultural hunts on Country and on-site meat processing, to feed the mob in Wilcannia.

Derek says this is a prime example of where Traditional ways can help all Australians while enhancing local Indigenous populations with knowledge, pride, and purpose.

Always someone who respected his elders, Hardman believes in leading the way for the younger generation; demonstrating that they can contribute in meaningful ways to make a better Australia for all Australians.

Derek is concerned about the rivers and all water ways, knowing that the well being of all communities in Parkes electorate depend on the health of the Baaka (Darling) and all waterways

Derek’s list is the rivers, environment, and community as his top priorities in this election. He says cultural heritage, housing and jobs are a close second, but without healthy waterways our communities may perish.

Other policies include treaty and constitutional recognition and more funding to prevent youth suicide. 

The Indigenous Party of Australia will attempt to cover all the things that matter to Indigenous people.