Showing Blackbird by David Crookes

The early wealth of Queensland depended on slavery, known in Australia as Blackbirding. South Sea islanders were tricked or forced aboard slave ships, then sold to the highest bidder and forced to cut cane on the northern sugar plantations.
Beautiful young Kiri, destined for slavery is rescued from her fate by half-breed Ben Luk, a prospector who plans to become a respectable businessman in Brisbane after acquiring wealth in the Palmer River goldfields.
However racial prejudice runs high in the colony and Ben and Kiri make ruthless, unforgiving enemies who will stop at nothing to bring them down. Ultimately their refusal to bow to tyranny, and their love for each other, carry them though their many turbulent adventures.