Original subtitles

Rachel: You must be Alexandra Irving.

Prime Minister.

What you did was... incredible.

[Gunshot]

Is this what you wanted? Well?!

I want people like you, women like you, on my team.

Charlie: Honestly, sis, they just want a pet Aborigine.

Is that who you are?

That's Damien Bauer.

He's currently doing a wonderful job

of white-anting the PM.

Now, I've written a speech that ensures

you get to stick around a bit longer.

Alex: I am sick and tired

of pretending that everything is okay.

A 16-year-old Indigenous woman

died in detention two weeks ago.

I can't breathe!She had an asthma attack.

Her name was Marcie Maclean.

Now, when I talk about being under threat,

she's who I'm talking about.

If I can stand up in the Senate, then anyone can.

Publicity stunt or not, that's why I'm here.

♪♪

♪♪

[Helicopter blades whirring]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Reporter: The U.S. Secretary of State, Ryan George,

has unexpectedly flown into Canberra tonight

to meet with Prime Minister Rachel Anderson.

His last-minute visit increases ongoing speculation that America

is keen to shore up its presence

in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the coalition continues

to strengthen its ties with China,

his arrival can only spell more headaches for the embattled...

♪♪

We had agreed we'd make the announcement

after the election.

Ryan: Taiwan's push for independence

has changed everything.

Well, everything except China

being our biggest trading partner.

I have to tell you, it's not a whole lot of fun

being on the other side

of your president's zero-sum game.

But I'm sure you'll appreciate that we are trying

to balance out our regional multilateral agreements.

You've always known that you would have

to make a choice sooner or later.

Later is no longer an option.

I have a very slim majority.

This next election's gonna be very tight.

We sympathize, but that's your concern, not ours.

Australia has always supported the United States.

Your bases are already across the Top End,

your marines are in Darwin, we gather your intelligence,

and we have supported every single

U.S.-sponsored resolution in the United Nations.

We even backed you on Jerusalem.

I just can't say how this is gonna play out for me

domestically right now.

May I be frank?

The President simply doesn't care.

You've got a big country here.

Most of it is desert.

I don't know why this has to be such a big deal.

Peter?

Where's Alex Irving? Winton.

Yeah, get her back.

[Sighs]

[Telephone ringing]

[Indistinct conversations]

[Jonathan clears throat]

Tag.

Thanks, Roger. Alex.

Sorry to bring you back on such short notice.

No, that's fine.How's your boy?

He's good. Good.

Come on through. Take a seat.

Thank you for the shoes. Oh!

For those days you can't be barefoot.

Angela Merkel put me onto them.

As you know, I met

with the U.S. Secretary of State,

and, as expected, he requested permission

to establish another defense base on our soil.

I'd like to fill you in on the background.

Woman: I can message you

when they're finished, if you like.

Uh...hmm. I'll wait.

Rachel: They're keen to strengthen

their strike capabilities in this area.

They need to establish an air force base

that doesn't intrude on Indonesian airspace

that's also safe from attack by sea.

I don't need to tell you that that base would fall

under your native title lands.

Ah. So this is why I'm here, is it?

To help you sell this to my mob.

We could declare the land

prohibited under the Defense Special Undertakings Act.

That would pay your people

around 60% of the land value in compensation.

Rachel: That would be considered just terms.

This is a position

that many in the party would feel happy with.

But I don't want to do that.

Alex: What doyou want to do?

I want to win an election.

To do that, I need to bury any political fallout

from this decision.

Both our governments

are very keen to get this done fast.

We don't want to be tied up in a long legal process.

So there'll be a lot of sugar on the table.

You and I spoke about

making a real difference in Winton.

This is your opportunity

to get a lot more than a medical center.

♪♪

That will be expensive.

And I would need to guarantee you'll back me on this.

You'd have it.

And nothing would be off the table.

♪♪

We'll be under close scrutiny.

How will you deal with the conflict of interest?

Declare it up front.

And I would be exempt from any compensation.

♪♪

You know they may not listen to me?

Alex, you stared down a gunman not long ago.

I brought you into the Senate because you're a leader.

So go fucking lead.

♪♪

♪ Day-di-day

♪ Day-day-di-day-di-day

Wow. That's a big responsibility.

No shit.

Okay, well, I'll need a list of native title holders,

a venue, and a car hire service.

Tracey will organize the flight.

What?

You're not a native title holder.

You don't need to be there.

-Oh, I'll be coming. -No, you're not.

Have you organized a stakeholder meeting before?

You'll need logistic support and advice when...

Alex.

Could I just have a word, please?

Look, um... I...

I just wanted to let you know

that I'm expecting the findings

into Marcie Maclean's death, uh, any day,

and as soon as I receive them,

I'll announce them to Parliament.

Okay? And to the press.

Okay? Does that address your concerns?

Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate that.You're welcome.

Do you think you could wrangle your senator, Mr. Cosgrove?

Running straight to the media about that girl

hasn't won her any fans in our department.

Oh, I know. She's just so savage.

Oh...That wasn't what I was implying.

I was just...Relax, Daphne.

I've already stopped listening.

And where are your manners? Jonathan Cosgrove.

Christopher Bingham. Hmm.

See, Daphne? That's how it's done.

We all play for the same team here.

Rachel's briefed me on your Winton trip.

Alex, she really needs our support.

Um, her department have commissioned

some broader polling,

and it's showing that overall support for her

has softened and that, uh, for the first time,

Laurie Martin's ahead as preferred prime minister,

so, well... there's a lot riding

on you getting this deal over the line.

Um...so, good luck with the negotiations

and, um, Indigenous Affairs is right behind you.

Thank you, Kevin.

-No, I'm afraid she's not. -We need to talk strategy.

Oh! She's just arrived, Minister.

No, I haven't.

If you're gonna be running negotiations...

I told you, you are not coming!

I'm sorry, she seems to have stepped out again.

My apologies.

Will do.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Cellphone ringing]

♪♪

I take it you've rung me by mistake?

I don't do anything by mistake, Tom.

You know that.

Well, what do you want, Alex?

I need you to bring the families together.

And why would I want to do that?

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

You got the list of native title holders?

[Sighs]

So, it's just like Canberra,

only Aboriginal politics is far more complicated.

Brumby Dibby...Is that a real name?

She's the senior boss of this country.

She knows all the Dreamings.

We have to see her first.

And if she agrees to come to the meeting,

we're halfway there.

Wait here.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Is she coming? Dunno.

[Car door opens, closes]

Ladies and gentlemen, sorry to, uh, keep you waiting.

Ooh, it's a bit brisk. Nina.

How are you going? -Very well, thank you.

Alright. We rolling?

After a thorough investigation by my department,

the findings have confirmed the initial reports,

uh, that the young woman died as a result of a...

an asthma attack.

I'm satisfied that the detention center staff

gave Miss Maclean every assistance, uh,

and acted entirely within the scope of their responsibilities.

♪♪

The biggest tragedy, uh, is that Miss Maclean had long been

regarded by welfare agencies as at risk.

Early intervention is crucial

when children suffer from neglect and poverty.

And the phone credit.

Unfortunately for Miss Maclean, any intervention came too late.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. There won't be any questions.

[All talking at once]

♪♪

♪♪

[Telephone ringing]

Good afternoon. Senator Irving's office.

Hello?

Hello? Is there anyone there?

♪♪

Man: You need a lift?

Which way are you going?

Hop in.

♪♪

♪♪

-Alex. -Hey, Len. How you going?

Hey, Patsy.

Ah! If it isn't the senator!

-How are you doing? -I'm good. And you?

Yeah, good.The usual?

Yeah. Thanks. Uh, same.

That's the Campbells.

Stay here.

♪♪

Hi, Tom.

Just paying my respects before the meeting tomorrow,

and to thank you and all your mob for agreeing to come.

Tom Jr.

Well, that went better than expected.

♪♪

Thanks, Patsy.

Don't let old man Campbell get to you.

This town needs jobs and new people,

even if they are Yanks.

Who's with the Campbells?Native title lawyers.

They'll take the high moral ground.

Deep down, they think it's grubby for Blackfellas

to want money at all, and we should go back

to living like proper natives,

living pure on the land.

And what's with the attitude?

Some people say that only men can talk for country.

Old Tom?

He won't like a woman leading the discussion.

See, my family, they haven't been involved

in native title stuff,

so they don't take us seriously.

Hew.

Alex.

You've come a long way

just to be told to fuck off again.

The Campbells aren't the only T.O.s in the town.

Oh, I'm not just talking about the Toms.

Good luck tomorrow.

♪♪

[Sighs] Well, see you tomorrow.

Uh, can you give me a lift to the motel?

You're already here.

See Patsy. She'll give you your room key.

Wow.

Really? Mm-hmm.

[Sighs]

[Music playing in distance]

[Sighs]

[Chuckles softly]

[Dog barking in distance]

"Senator."

That suits you.

Thanks for noticing.

Thanks for getting everyone to the meeting.

Well, they'll come...

but they might not agree.

You gonna help me or what?

You know I can't support you on this, Alex.

Them Canberra mob, any chance they get, they screw us.

But they sent me. Yeah.

But can we trust you?

You have to ask that?

[Keys drop]

♪♪

♪♪

[Sighs]

[Engine starts]

♪♪

♪♪

You alright, love?

I was getting sleepy, so I pulled over for a cuppa.

You want one?

So, how long you been on the road for?

A while.

Did I freak you out?

I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to.

♪♪

♪♪

You okay now?

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Jan: Hey, darling.

Hey, Mum.

Training tires him out, poor little thing.

Bet old Tom was rapt to see you.

Oh, burst into song.

How's Canberra? It's cold.

You coming to the meeting?

Won't make no difference me being there.

It will to me.

You've as much right to be there as anyone.

Tell that to the Campbells.

Yeah, well, about time they listened for a change.

Well...

they were here when I wasn't.

I guess they've earned the right to speak.

[Sighs]

[Indistinct conversations, music playing in background]

[Sighs]

[Cellphone dings]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Got something for you.

You know, I don't like my kids fighting.

What brought that on?

Have you spoken to your brother?

Why are you picking on me? He hasn't called me either.

For you.

From the Prime Minister.

Reckons they're the comfiest in the world.

Says the Queen...

put her onto them.

Might be good for court.

So, are you going to bed now?

I can't sleep. I'm gonna go for a drive.

Night.

♪♪

♪ You were from the North, I was from the South ♪

♪ We were in opposite places, different towns ♪

♪ But I knew it was good and you knew it was, too ♪

♪ And so we moved together like a ball and chain ♪

♪ Minds becoming two halves of the same ♪

♪ It was real, but in the shadows it grew ♪

♪ 'Cause you've got a secret

♪ Don't you, babe?

♪ I would shout it aloud, broken through ♪

♪ I would've given it all to belong to you ♪

♪ But there were different plans and different rules ♪

♪ You said, "Where I'm from is a lock and key ♪

♪ If you'd be so kind as to follow me ♪

♪ I will show you the way to the rest of my sins" ♪

♪ And I...

You scared?

♪ ...I should know

Yeah.

♪♪

♪ Yeah, I

♪ I should know

Do you want to talk about the meeting?

Nuh.

♪ For I am your secret

♪ Aren't I, babe?

♪♪

♪ Yeah, I am your secret

♪ Aren't I, babe?

♪♪

♪ Aren't I, babe?

♪ Aren't I, babe?

[Sighs deeply]

I want to go to the meeting.

It'll be boring as.

Come on.

I'll drop you off at school on the way to the meeting, eh?

What are you looking at?Nothing.

You know, I'd wear those new shoes you gave me,

but you know them mob, they'll be real jealous.

You ready to go?

See you, darl.

♪♪

This is how the day's gonna run.

There'll be the Jamesons, led by Leanne and Norman.

They're Sunset mob.

They speak for the land west of the gorge

all the way to the Diamantina.

Both from big families.

They're really important.

Then there's the Gibsons, led by matriarch Pearl

and her two sons, Jeremiah and Travis.

They're Sunrise, east of the gorge

to the flood plains up north.

And they're reigning champs at the rodeo.

Then there's the Morgans.

Their mob speak for the area between the two rivers,

led by Bill and Fran.

And they hate the Jamesons.

No one really remembers why.

Throw into the mix some random interest groups,

anthropologists, lawyers, hanger-onners,

all keen to have their say,

and you've got yourself a land council meeting.

You ready?

[Indistinct conversations]

Brumby's not here.

Well, we start anyway.

[Sighs]

Right, thanks for all coming.

Let's get started, eh?

Before we begin, I'm Nathan Smith.

I represent Exebuild.

We're hoping to tender on this project.

Construction already?

This meeting is for native title holders only.

Hey, um, this is a closed meeting,

so anyone who isn't mob, you should leave.

Go on.

You too.

Sorry? Outside.

All yours.

I know there's a lot of hurt and anger in this room.

I understand.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Telephone rings]

Good morning. Senator Irving's office.

Hello?Young woman: Hello?

Oh, hi. How can I help you?

I need to speak to that black senator.

Senator Irving? Yeah.

Can I get her number?

Uh, look, we...we don't give out direct numbers.

Please? Um...

Okay, I'll check in with the senator to see

if it's okay to give you her number.

So, if you call me back this afternoon...

Okay. Okay.

Bye.

♪♪

♪♪

[Cellphone ringing]

[Sighs] Hello?

How are things progressing?

It's a bit early to tell.

Well, any specific details yet?

Well, the senator's making great progress.

They're open to negotiating.

Jonathan, whereabouts are you?

I'm outside.

What the hell's going on?

I've left the meeting.

Why? Protocol.

Well, Bauer's stirring up shit about the negotiations.

So get the fuck back in there.

Do I want to know? No.

Tom Sr.: There's nothing to talk about!

We have a sacred responsibility to protect the land

as it protects us.

The land owns us!

We fought hard for native title.

My father died before we won.

He never got to walk freely on the land that was his.

I'm not handing it back to some military base.

We're talking about a lease.

Not perpetuity.

And with all respect...

we have the power this time around.

We never have the power.

Every day, I teach about how governments

break their promises.

Giving with one hand, taking away with the other.

They make celebrities of a few of us,

marginalize the rest.

I say we go to court.

I have the PM's word.

You've been brainwashed, girl!

We don't trust you.

We need to talk.

You're one of them now.

So you'd better go.

Is that what you all think?

[Murmured agreement]

-No! -Jan?

I said no.

Now, I know I've been absent for too many of these meetings.

But I didn't grow up on country.

They took me away 'cause my skin is too light.

But when I came back...

I didn't feel like I belonged.

Not like the rest of you.

So, yeah, I don't usually come to these meetings.

But the ones I have gone to, pfft!

Same old shit...

same old feuds.

Now, we're facing something big.

So we gotta think big.

My daughter

is not some faceless government suit!

She belongs to this community!

♪♪

And at the end of the day, she's gotta look you all in the eyes.

So why would she destroy that?

Why would she deliberately betray us?

She deserves respect.

Not to be kicked out like some stray mongrel dog!

♪♪

So, you got something to say, baby...

you say it.

[Sniffles]

♪♪

Look, all I ask is that you listen to what's being offered.

The government is ready to negotiate with you

over your land.

It's up to you to figure out what it's worth.

[Cellphone chimes]

The average hardworking Queenslander

has a right to be concerned.

Our alliance with the United States is being held hostage

by local Indigenous stakeholders

risking our country's safety

ahead of their own narrow vested interests.

Now, the Prime Minister has chosen

Senator Irving to oversee these discussions.

She herself is a native title holder and stands to profit

very handsomely from any compensation.

Now, I don't know about these southerners,

but I can tell you quite...

-Just hang on, mate. -Excuse me.

Christ. Fucking...

Think about what we need when the base finally closes down,

because right now we have a chance

to set this place up for the future.

Sorry for interrupting, Tom,

but this whole thing is a waste of time!

The state government just shut you down, Senator.

Now, whatever it is that you decide here,

they just made it public

that they're not gonna back it.

This is federal government, Hew, not state.

And this is an election year.

Your precious PM isn't gonna risk losing Queensland.

♪♪

♪♪

Peter thinks Bauer's behind it.

Shit.

Tom!

Sorry, Senator.

♪♪

Damien: These negotiations pose a threat to national security.

What is it about the safety of this country

that the Prime Minister doesn't understand?

Well, let me help her.

It's not negotiable.

Not with white people, not with black people, not with anyone.

Are you going to challenge for the leadership?

You people are obsessed!

I have zero intentions to challenge for the leadership.

Thank you.

[All talking at once]

Jonathan: It's just pushback from the right.

But they really shouldn't have gone public.

So, what's next?

Nothing.

No, seriously.Yes, seriously.

Senator...

How am I supposed to get them back in the room

after what's happened?

You must have some idea.

Well, you tell me, 'cause I've got no idea.

[Cellphone ringing]

Oh, Christ. It's Bauer.

Wh... Uh, Senator, no...

Damien. It's Alex.

How dare you accuse me

of profiting from these negotiations

when everyone knows you lot

get kickbacks from your mining mates

and you're constantly rorting travel allowances?

I know you fought my appointment,

you two-faced, slimy fuck,

and you'd blow up the party for a tilt at the PM's job,

but let me tell you, mate, the average Australian

would rather a used condom as prime minister than you,

so you can fuck right off, you fuckin' hypocrite!

What was that? The truth.

You never show your hand in politics.

What did you say to Canberra?

Negotiations are ongoing.

Patsy, two more.

[Sighs]

[Dog barking in distance]

Man: Shut up, dog!

Hey, there's these things called cups, you know?

Yeah, and there's these things called shitheads.

Want one?

Uh, yeah. Green tea, please.

[Scoffs] Wanker.

You can't stand it, can you? Don't start.

You can't stand me being up there and not you.

Here we go.

No, you wrote me off.

Your redneck sister.

Are you angry with me because I disagreed with you, Alex?

I mean, grow up!

You know, I'm pretty bloody used to you grandstanding,

but you could have at least had the guts to stick up for me.

They almost kicked me out of the meeting,

and you stood there and you said nothing!

Okay. Okay.

These people don't know whether to trust you,

and that fucking government of yours,

you call them "allies."

What are you?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

At least you didn't walk out on me this time.

Eh? My maiden speech.

Alright, I couldn't sit there

and hear you say those words.

I'm trying to play the long game, Charlie.

Or, at least, I'm trying to.

What are you doing?

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Man 2: Hello, there.

Nothing like a swim after a hot day.

It's alright, love.

Those are mine.

Relax.

It's alright.

I run the joint.

You, uh, here by yourself?

You know...

I usually call the cops on trespassers.

But, um, since it's such a stinker of a day...

I'll let it slide.

But since I'm being nice...

...you've gotta be nice, too.

So, what do you reckon?

♪♪

It's alright.

It's alright. It's alright.

♪♪

[Camera shutter clicks]

Hey, girl.

[Camera shutter clicks]

Come on. Come on!

Come on, you black bitch!

Aaagh!

[Metal clangs]

♪♪

[Gate clanks]

[Car approaches]

[Car doors open]

Don't look at me like that.

She wouldn't come to the first meeting.

Why is she gonna change her mind?

Alex: Hello, Auntie.

I heard your mother spoke up at the meeting yesterday,

and it was good.

Yeah. First time ever.

I want to show you something.

Come on.

♪♪

[Birds chirping]

♪♪

This is a very special place.

It's called Kirrendirri.

♪♪

♪♪

My mum taught me about this place.

I know how important it is.

Gotta look after our country and our culture.

Right?

I promise.

♪♪

♪♪

I'm not gonna beg for your attention, Tom.

You know the state government doesn't have a say

in these negotiations.

You're just looking for an excuse to walk away.

So why don't we live in the real world

for the moment, yeah?

The federal government wants the land.

They're prepared to pay for it,

and we now have a prime minister

who's willing to honor her word,

which is why I'm giving mine.

But you walk away...

they'll take the land anyway.

And you'll be left with...

what?

60% land value?

Forget about everything else.

So, what are you gonna tell your grandkids

when they ask why

there's no Blackfellas working on the site?

Why there's still no schools?

No healthcare clinics?

Why there's no investment?

No care for the Dreaming sites?

And why we're still playing in the fuckin' dirt

when you had a chance to change all that?

There are others in the party who'd take this from us,

so we need to do the deal now or we lose it.

I promised Brumby the sites would be protected.

But we need to have a meeting to work it out.

I've booked the hall for tomorrow.

Brumby said she'd come if you do.

And so will the others.

[Cows mooing]

♪♪

♪♪

♪ My heart

♪ Is ready for it

♪ My skin is ready

[Footsteps]

Uh, Senator?

Think I'd better put the urn on.

♪♪

I am braver

When I know I've got you

♪♪

♪ Ooooh

♪♪

♪ Ooooh

Good morning, dear.

♪♪

Thank you, everyone, for coming again.

I know how hard this is.

The government wants a 100-year lease.

So my advice is to say no.

They want our land?

They can have it for 25 years on our terms.

And then we get to renegotiate after that.

Yeah, sis. I think you're right there.

We all do need jobs.

These young fellas, what are they doing with themselves?

Roaming the streets, going nowhere.

Half of that base is going to be on my traditional country?

Then we'll support it.

But we want certainly more than just token.

It's gotta be far greater than just...

Man 3: This thing's gonna be good for us.

I think we should all have...

♪♪

Alex: Prime Minister, we have an agreement.

This is what we're after.

Health services for our old people

and scholarships for our young.

A housing program for families to purchase first homes.

A guarantee of 30% jobs

to Indigenous and local contractors.

Joint approval of the construction company.

And in return, you get your base.

So, in summary, a $5 billion future fund

to be administered by the community

on behalf of the native title holders.

Yes, Prime Minister.

I'll pass it on.

Well done, Senator.

Now we've just got to get it through the House.

♪♪

[Birds chirping]

Looks like a storm's coming.

Man 4: Look what you fuckin' did!

Gotta say, I don't miss the neighbors.

I'm proud of you, girl.

I'm proud of you, Mum.

[ Cellphone rings ]

It's probably the PM.

Yeah, wanting her shoes back.

Hello?

Young woman: Hello?

Who's this?

I'm a friend of Marcie's.

Are you the girl who's been calling my office?

It isn't true what he said about Marcie.

She didn't just have an asthma attack.

They shot tear gas at us.

And then they laughed.

They were laughing as she was dying.

You lied.

You're all liars.

How do I know you're telling the truth?

Because I was with her.

And I filmed it all.

What's your name?

Where are you?

Hello?

♪♪

[Thunder rumbling]

♪♪

♪ Everybody wants to touch me

♪ Everybody wants to feel

♪ Everybody wants a piece of something that's real ♪

♪ Everybody wants to touch me

♪ They all love my skin

♪ They all want to take me home ♪

♪ They don't even care where I've been ♪

♪ Everybody wants to touch me