Joh Bjelke-Petersen was one of Australia’s most controversial leaders, and Revealed - Joh: Last King of Queensland tells his story.

He was once referred to as 'the most controversial Premiere this country has ever known.'

His name was Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and in a new Stan Original documentary, his complicated legacy is examined under a contemporary microscope.

Revealed - Joh: Last King of Queensland is a feature-length documentary that explores the controversial life and legacy of Queensland's longest-serving Premier, who reigned between 1968 and 1987.

The film is available to stream now exclusively on Stan.

The documentary delves into Joh's early years, from his rural and religious upbringing to his 19-year reign over Queensland, a period marked by huge economic growth, discriminatory policies and widespread corruption.

The documentary examines his divisive leadership style, the infamous 'Bjelkemander' electoral system, and the events leading up to the Fitzgerald Inquiry, which ultimately exposed deep-seated corruption within his government.

His years in power have been described as an 'authoritarian regime' in the film, with one interviewee going as far as to say that he "wrote the playbook for [Donald] Trump".

Watch the trailer. Post continues after video.

The film uses a mix of rare archival footage and interviews to paint a complex portrait of Bjelke-Petersen, highlighting both his popularity and the deep divisions he left in Queensland politics.

Joh's adult daughters are interviewed, providing personal insights into his true character.

Matthew Condon, writer and investigative journalist, shares his expertise on Queensland politics and the Fitzgerald Inquiry, along with Chris Masters, an investigative journalist whose work on Four Corners helped spark the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

Meanwhile, Andrew Stafford, the author of Pig City, discusses the cultural and political climate of Queensland under Joh.

Richard Roxburgh portrays Joh Bjelke-Petersen in dramatic recreations, bringing to life Joh's final days in power.

Richard Roxburgh plays Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Image: Supplied.

This is the kind of film that every Australian needs to watch — now more than ever.

The rise of Donald Trump, right-wing ideologies and a growing move towards conservatism shows that the kind of rhetoric that Bjelke-Petersen was spouting back in the '70s and '80s is not some outdated concept.

Ideologies that emphasise nationalism, champion traditional values, and rally against progressive policies around immigration, women's health and LGBTIQ+ people are back in a big way.

Rising income inequality, cost-of-living pressures, and economic instability have only fuelled some factions moving away from centrist and liberal parties and towards conservatism.

This is not just in the United States — this trend is visible in Europe, Latin America, Asia and beyond.

Bjelke-Petersen's administration was infamous for its harsh 'law and order' approach. Police were used to break up protests, and Queensland developed a reputation as a police state where protesters, unions and activists were routinely targeted.

Ring any bells? Just last month, Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to protests against aggressive immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In 1977, Bjelke-Petersen's government even introduced regulations that effectively banned all public protests.

"The day of the political street march is over. Don't bother to apply for a permit. You won't get one. That's government policy now!" he said at the time.

The Bjelke-Petersen government also actively opposed LGBTIQ+ rights, demonising queer men and attempting to introduce anti-gay laws — despite other states moving towards equality reforms.

Joh Bjelke-Petersen was known for his conservative views. Image: Supplied.

During the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, he famously said he was "against the dirty and despicable acts these [homosexual] people carry out. You can't get any beast or animal that is so depraved to carry on the way they do."

His administration attempted to introduce anti-gay licensing laws, criminalise lesbianism and ban the employment of gay teachers.

Away from pushing bigoted policies, Bjelke-Petersen's government became synonymous with corruption.

Senior ministers and the police commissioner were found to have accepted bribes, leading to the landmark Fitzgerald Inquiry.

He engineered an electoral system that heavily favoured rural areas, ensuring his party's dominance, a system which was dubbed the 'Bjelkemander'.

Of course, with the lows, there were some highs during his time in power. He oversaw major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Wivenhoe and Burdekin dams, the Gateway Bridge, and the electrification of Queensland's rail network.

His government secured and hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo 88, raising Queensland's profile around the world to boost tourism.

Joh: Last King of Queensland is directed by Kriv Stenders, one of Australia's most acclaimed filmmakers, known for Red Dog and Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan.

The documentary is produced by WildBear Entertainment, with funding from Screen Australia and support from Screen NSW and Screen Queensland. Cailah Scobie and Alicia Brown serve as executive producers.

There's a lot to be taken from watching Joh: Last King of Queensland and if today's political climate is anything to go by, the US could learn a lot from his dangerous policies — and probably has.

Joh: Last King of Queensland is available to stream exclusively on Stan.

Feature image: Supplied.