Concerns have emerged regarding the legitimacy of Malinda Rutter, a former television star from the 1980s, as a member of the New South Wales government’s Aboriginal Business Taskforce. Indigenous leaders from the Gomeroi Nation have raised questions about her claimed Aboriginal heritage in a formal petition submitted to the state parliament this week.
The petition, signed by 32 members of the northern New South Wales Indigenous community, including elders, alleges that Rutter’s claims to be a member of the Gomeroi Nation lack support from her ancestry and cultural ties. The letter, drafted by Gomeroi knowledge keeper Matthew Priestley, also known as Uncle Matt, expresses the community’s concerns about Rutter’s role on the taskforce, which includes influential figures like AFL legend Adam Goodes. The taskforce was announced by the NSW government in March.
Uncle Matt has brought an unfair dismissal claim against Rutter’s company, Blackfisch, in the Fair Work Commission (FWC). He argues that he and his niece, Mika Rose Tyson, were unfairly dismissed due to their Aboriginal identity. The petition explicitly states, “Malinda Rutter claims to be Gomeroi, but neither her bloodline, songlines, or ancestry support this.”
In a public hearing before the FWC last month, Rutter was questioned about her Indigenous ancestry. She stated, “My mother traced, as I said, part of her family to Bundjalung… I was told I had to identify as Gomeroi because you need to find the father’s side.” Rutter has also claimed connections to the Bundjalung, Gidhabal, and Gilbal nations.
Uncle Matt contends that the community deserves authentic representation, particularly during challenging times. He emphasized that Rutter’s input on the needs of Moree and other Aboriginal communities is fundamentally flawed. “Moree is in very desperate times and to have Malinda Rutter (say) she is representing us is truly wrong,” he said.
Rutter is also a director and co-founder of Blackfisch, a company launched in 2018 that focuses on Aboriginal filmmaking. The company has collaborated with notable figures, including veteran Indigenous broadcaster Ray Martin. On their website, Rutter is described as a “trailblazer” and noted as the youngest Indigenous director employed by the firm.
During the FWC hearing, the tensions escalated as Uncle Matt accused Rutter of using discriminatory language. He claimed that she told him to “f*** off” and allegedly made derogatory remarks about his background. Rutter confirmed using expletives but denied making the specific comment about returning to a mission.
While defending the claims, Blackfisch argues that Uncle Matt and Tyson were contractors rather than employees, thereby disputing the basis of their dismissal claims. Rutter stated she returned to the company’s office to find it in disarray and began cleaning when tensions arose.
The matter has garnered attention, with the office of NSW Premier Chris Minns forwarding inquiries to David Harris, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. A spokesperson for Harris stated that the minister had not yet received the petition but defended the process of appointing members to the Aboriginal Business Taskforce. “The Aboriginal Business Taskforce members were appointed for their extensive experience in the Aboriginal business sector,” the spokesperson said.
The outcome of the unfair dismissal case remains pending, with Deputy President Judith Wright yet to deliver a decision. As the situation develops, the implications for representation and advocacy within Indigenous communities in New South Wales continue to unfold.
