Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) corned beef (fried in batter).

1938		Western Mail (Perth, WA) 24 Nov. 40/2: Breakfast Is seldom an elaborate affair [...] A plate of ‘burgoo,’ followed by grilled steak, ‘Burdekin ducks,’ curry and rice, and good bread, or just plain corn beef and damper.
1982		(ref. to 1940s) Canberra Times (ACT) 27 June 7/2: He also learnt to cook johnnycakes, a variation on damper, and Burdekin duck — cor ned beef made into fritters.
1993		Aus. Word Map 🌐 My ex Mother-in-law (born 1920s) and resident of Townsville all her life called corn beef fritters "Burdekin Ducks".
1993		Aus. Word Map 🌐 [Brisbane informant] My mum used to make what she called 'Burdekin Ducks' but they were corned beef in batter - not straight corned beef.