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Luke Powell

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Articles

Did the First Fleet Commit Genocide Through Smallpox?

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By Luke Powell
| The Daily Declaration Podcast
3 March 2026 3.7 MINS Tony Armstrong’s ABC claim that the First Fleet intentionally introduced smallpox to Aboriginal people is contradicted by historical evidence, expert consensus, and the basic science of disease transmission. Leading up to Australia Day, the ABC recently produced a short video of presenter Tony Armstrong claiming the First Fleet committed genocide by unleashing smallpox on Aboriginal people in Sydney. Australia Day, therefore, marks the deadliest day in Aboriginal history.
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Did the First Fleet commit genocide through Smallpox?

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By Luke Powell
| The Spectator Australia Verified
Leading up to Australia Day a number of media outlets produced content claiming the First Fleet committed genocide by unleashing Smallpox on Aboriginal people in Sydney. Their argument centred on Australia Day marking the deadliest day in Aboriginal history. There are four main points made by these critics: The British introduced Smallpox. The introduction of Smallpox was intentional. This is supported by historians. Australian society remains silent about it. But is it true?
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The truth about Victorian colonisation

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By Luke Powell
| The Spectator Australia Verified
The over 100 recommendations to the Victorian government, including Aboriginal reparations, natural resource revenue, and selling off public land, made by the Yoorrook Commission’s latest report Truth Be Told, rests entirely on one historical claim: ‘The scars of colonial invasion – its massacres, violence, and relentless erasure – are not confined to the past.
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