This week, we pay tribute to the late, great Richard Carleton, who died while covering the Beaconsfield mine disaster 18 years ago. #60Mins remember him as a fearless reporter and wonderful friend, who is still missed.
Hero or traitor? SUNDAY on #60Mins, why an Australian citizen, a former Top Gun fighter pilot, is wanted by the United States government. pic.twitter.com/LGTUd73Cpa
Didn’t think they did a good job with this one. It seemed to be one sided, and a play on people’s emotions. The Americans obviously have more intel, likely we won’t ever know the full details, but the whole storyline is definitely off in my book.
There is a lot more going on with this one. Follow some of the timelines, activity, and some recent news that has come out, it’s a story that should have been pushed from both sides.
Perhaps one for 4 corners to have a look at. I just felt like Dimity was pushing the feel sorry card. I’m not saying the guy is guilty, but give us both angles, because there is many angles and alarm bells on the other side, we didn’t get to hear much about that. I know many Pilots who have been talking about this one and all share the same view, alarmed, concerned and extremely suspicious.
BIG BROTHER
For all the wrong reasons, everyone knows of Belle Gibson. A decade ago, she claimed that she’d beaten terminal brain cancer by rejecting conventional treatment in favour of natural remedies. Her cure made her a hero of the wellness industry. And not only did she love the worldwide attention her inspirational story attracted, she profited from it to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. But this medical miracle was all a lie, a twisted invention of the charlatan’s mind. Today, the pain inflicted by Belle Gibson’s deception still hurts her many victims, including her big brother Nick Gibson. In an emotional interview with Dimity Clancey, he describes how his life has been destroyed by his heartless sister. Reporter: Dimity Clancey Producer: Sheree Gibson SNEAK PEEK
GANGSTERS’ PARADISE
It might sound strange, but the crime capital of Australia is currently Dubai. That’s because this glitzy mega city in the Persian Gulf has become home to nearly all of our biggest organised crime bosses. Their thinking in moving offshore is that they’re out of reach of federal and state policing authorities, but if they watch 60 MINUTES this Sunday, they might want to think again. As Nick McKenzie reports, an enormous leak of Dubai property records has revealed not only their residential addresses, but also how the city has become the perfect destination for crooks, and suspected criminals, from all around the world to do their dirty business. Reporter: Nick McKenzie Producer: Amelia Ballinger SNEAK PEEK
TROUBLES AT HOME
It’s almost unimaginable. Last November, a 12-year-old girl in Victoria was charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a 37-year-old woman to death. On Thursday the charges were dropped though, because being so young, it was determined the girl didn’t have the mental capacity to be held criminally responsible for her actions. However, what’s important to know about this case is that at the time, she was the responsibility of the state. The girl was living in what’s called residential care; homes that are supposedly supervised, safe places for vulnerable children. But they’re not. On assignment for 60 MINUTES, Nine’s Christine Ahern meets a very brave young woman who wants Australia to know what’s really happening in residential care homes. This now 20-year-old says she suffered enormously and is demanding immediate changes to the system. Reporter: Christine Ahern Producer: Laura Sparkes SNEAK PEEK
Should social media be banned for children? SUNDAY on #60Mins, the harrowing new evidence of the harm it's doing to our kids. pic.twitter.com/5jH04EVNJv
MESSING WITH MINDS
How much more evidence is needed before the message is fully understood that social media is a serious health hazard for young people? Leading researchers like world-renowned U.S. psychologist Professor Jonathan Haidt warn that it’s messing with our kids’ minds, and in an increasing number of tragic cases, it’s killing them. Of course the tech giants who control the social media platforms downplay the dangers, but their views are compromised by the enormous profits they make by having children spend hours and hours on their smartphones. On 60 MINUTES, Adam Hegarty investigates calls to do what to many was once unthinkable: Ban social media for the young. Reporter: Adam Hegarty Producers: Anne Worthington, Sheree Gibson SNEAK PEEK
DEATH IN BYRON
It might not be the lifestyle for everyone, but 25-year-old Jackson Stacker loved his happy-go-lucky existence. He lived in the moment, thriving on not knowing what each day would bring. Home was a van, and wherever he parked it was where he slept. Without a care, Jackson was roaming around Byron Bay in July 2021 when one night he disappeared. A month later he was found dead. Police said it was likely that he had taken his own life, but his distraught family believe something far more sinister happened. As Tara Brown reports, that’s because his skull was discovered 13 metres from his body, and there was a 30-centimetre hunting knife embedded in his chest. Reporter: Tara Brown Producer: Serge Negus SNEAK PEEK
THE SCIENCE OF MURDER
What are we to do when science reveals information we don’t really want to know? Block our ears and look away, or confront it? This is the challenge in the case of Robert Farquharson, one of Australia’s most despised criminals. On Father’s Day 2005, supposedly in an act of revenge against his ex-wife, he drowned their three young sons. The little boys, aged 10, seven and two, were passengers in their father’s car when he drove it into a dam. At two trials, Farquharson was convicted of murder for his crimes and sentenced to life in prison. But now, as Nick McKenzie reports, new scientific evidence raises serious questions about what really happened. This joint 60 MINUTES, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald investigation however does not advocate for Farquharson’s freedom, rather it presents fresh expert analysis of facts that weren’t adequately canvassed at Farquharson’s trials, and asks if the new information is sufficiently important to consider further judicial review of the case. Reporter: Nick McKenzie Producers: Natalie Clancy, Michael Bachelard, Nichola Younger SNEAK PEEK
BROKEN BORDERS
No one disputes that patrolling Australia’s extensive sea borders is a difficult job. But it shouldn’t be impossible. Off the north-west coasts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the task of stopping people trying to enter the country illegally is primarily the responsibility of the Australian Border Force. But in this joint 60 MINUTES, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age investigation, Nick McKenzie reports how broken our borders have become because the ABF is failing. The organisation’s equipment is sub-standard, at times even dangerous; a fact that has severely impacted its operations. And as a consequence, the people smugglers have again been plying their evil trade. Reporter: Nick McKenzie Producer: Garry McNab SNEAK PEEK
UNFATHOMABLE
If there’s one small comfort to be taken from the OceanGate deep-sea submersible disaster, it’s that death was instant for the five occupants on board. But a year on from the tragedy, there are still so many unanswered questions. Most fundamentally, why did the strange-looking craft on a mission to the wreck of the Titanic fail so spectacularly? And why, for days on end, was the world wrongly led to believe there was hope for a successful rescue mission? The lack of credible information about what really happened is now becoming increasingly unfathomable, not only for the families of the victims, but also for other undersea explorers like legendary Hollywood director James Cameron. Speaking exclusively to Amelia Adams, Cameron reveals that this is a catastrophe that could and should have been avoided. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producer: Hannah Bowers SNEAK PEEK
FACE THE MUSIC
He’s been known by many names over the years, from “Puff Daddy” to “P. Diddy”, even “Love”. But now hip-hop megastar Sean Combs has to face the music of being called an accused rapist and sex trafficker. Much like Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire is at the centre of his very own MeToo reckoning. Alleged victims say for three decades the rapper’s out of control debauchery meant they endured terrifying abuse. As Adam Hegarty reports, with graphic video now backing up their claims, many of them hope Sean Combs will soon be trading his obscene lifestyle for a jail cell. Reporter: Adam Hegarty Producer: Sammi Taylor SNEAK PEEK
HIDDEN AGENDA
The deaths of innocent civilians are heartbreaking. The destruction of towns and villages is horrendous. What’s happening in Gaza, following Hamas’ murderous rampage in Israel last October, is a catastrophe that’s destabilising the whole world. In Australia, regular protests supporting both sides of the conflict have so far been mostly peaceful. But in a joint investigation with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, 60 MINUTES reveals disturbing evidence suggesting that could all change. One Islamist group, with extreme views, has infiltrated student rallies at universities in Australia, and as Nick McKenzie reports, it has a very sinister hidden agenda. Reporter: Nick McKenzie Producer: Anne Worthington
THE GOAL
The goal for Australia’s favourite sporting team, the Matildas, is simple. To win a medal, and preferably a gold one, at the Paris Olympics. It’s easy to say, but difficult to achieve. However, having just returned from one of the team’s secret football training camps in Florida, Amelia Adams reports that it’s very possible. On 60 MINUTES, see why the wonderful Matildas are determined to do themselves – and Australia – proud. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producer: Laura Sparkes
HIGH ALERT
Few Australians have probably ever heard of nitazenes, but soon it’s likely that everyone will know all about them. Not for good reasons though. Nitazenes are extremely potent painkillers which can be as much as a thousand times stronger than morphine. They were developed in the 1950s, then quickly deemed far too dangerous for humans and so were largely forgotten. But now these synthetic opioids have reappeared and are being produced in massive quantities in Chinese laboratories. As Dimity Clancey reports in this special 60 MINUTES investigation, nitazenes are being shipped to western countries including Australia, where they are hidden in all types of illicit drugs, ready to cause harm – and often death – to unsuspecting users. Reporter: Dimity Clancey Producer: Serge Negus SNEAK PEEK
CORPORATE CRASH
Not so long ago, many airline passengers used to swear by the saying: “If it’s not Boeing, I’m not going.” It was a motto the company loved. But in the last six years, two fatal B737 MAX crashes, as well as multiple other incidents, have meant drastically changing times for Boeing. Now, the slogan is the complete opposite: “If it’s Boeing, I’m not going.” On Tuesday, the plane maker’s humiliation was plain for the world to see when its boss was forced to appear before angry U.S. Senators in Washington. CEO Dave Calhoun was grilled about his company’s plague of deadly safety and manufacturing issues. On 60 MINUTES, Adam Hegarty speaks to Boeing whistle-blowers who reveal disturbing allegations about shoddy practices and cover-ups. For anyone who flies, it seems the turbulence for Boeing is far from over. Reporter: Adam Hegarty Producers: Lisa Brown, Sheree Gibson SNEAK PEEK
Go behind the scenes of #60Mins every Monday, with exclusive details, in-depth analysis and personal stories from our award-winning team of journalists.
SECRETS OF A MURDERER
Russell Hill and Carol Clay didn’t deserve to die. Four years ago, on a camping adventure in Victoria’s remote high country, they had a chance encounter with Greg Lynn. Only he now knows the precise details of what happened, but there was a dispute that turned violent. The couple, both in their 70s, were killed. Last Tuesday, in an unusual verdict, a jury found Lynn guilty of murdering Carol though not guilty of murdering Russell. But the conviction of the former Jetstar pilot does not mean it’s case-closed just yet. On 60 MINUTES, Sarah Abo reveals disturbing secrets about Greg Lynn’s past that authorities need to investigate further. Reporter: Sarah Abo Producers: Garry McNab, Anthony Dowsley SNEAK PEEK
FORBIDDEN FORCE
Twenty-year-old Ruqia Haidari lived with a conflict she could not resolve. She was torn between two worlds. On one hand, there were the strict but important customs of her Afghan heritage. On the other, the freedoms that life in Australia promised. Her friends said Ruqia longed to be a modern woman, but at home she couldn’t bring herself to disappoint her mother, Sakina Muhammad Jan, who had an entirely different plan for her daughter’s future. She told Ruqia she must marry a man she barely knew. Love didn’t factor into the equation. It was a forced marriage, it was illegal, and it ended disastrously. Reporter: Sarah Abo Producer: Amelia Ballinger SNEAK PEEK
KIDNAPPED IN JAPAN
There are many wonderful things about Japan, but the way the country deals with child custody disputes is not one of them. The Japanese have a bizarre law that allows a disgruntled parent who separates from a spouse to literally abduct the children and run away. In those circumstances, it makes kidnapping legal. Worryingly, an increasing number of Australians, whose relationships with their Japanese partners have ended, have found themselves permanently cut off from their kids. It’s a heartbreaking situation, but on assignment for 60 MINUTES, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age’s Eryk Bagshaw reports that there might finally be some hope for change. And it’s in no small way thanks to some extraordinary efforts in Canberra. Reporter: Eryk Bagshaw Producer: Natalie Clancy
BOARD GAMES
Front feeble, switch kickflip, crook riva, back 50 backside, bump-to-nose grind! Following? They might be foreign terms to most people, but to skateboarders these words are the sweet sound of success. That is, assuming the tricks they describe are executed properly. But someone who usually does perform these complicated manoeuvres perfectly is 14-year-old Chloe Covell. This pocket rocket is Australia’s number one female street skater, and just days away from officially being told she’s going to the Olympic Games. While Chloe probably doesn’t want to think too far ahead, Tara Brown reports that if she does win in Paris, she will become the youngest-ever Australian gold medallist, breaking a remarkable 68-year record. Reporter: Tara Brown Producer: Sammi Taylor
60 MINUTES SUNDAY, JUNE 30, AT 8.10PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
FROM THE HEART
It’s an awful part of the job, but as South Australia’s Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens is expert at delivering bad news to families who suffer terrible tragedies. Last November though, he was the one to get the call no one wants to receive. His youngest child Charlie, 18, had become the victim of a hit-and-run driver, and died in hospital 24 hours later. This week on 60 MINUTES, Grant and his wife Emma talk from the heart in an emotional interview with Tara Brown. Their story is incredibly sad, but their memories of Charlie are at times also very funny. However, what makes this couple truly extraordinary is their compassion, especially for the young driver who killed their son. Reporter: Tara Brown Producer: Lisa Brown SNEAK PEEK
BIDEN’S NAVY
Is President Joe Biden up to the job or not? Does he have the mental capacity to lead the free world for another four years? White House insiders report his family is in no doubt, with son Hunter leading the charge, rallying his 81-year-old father to keep going to defeat Donald Trump. But should the president be taking advice from someone whose life for the past decade is best described as a train wreck? Hunter Biden is a former crack cocaine addict, currently facing the possibility of prison over tax charges and a firearm conviction. Less well-known, though equally a mark of the man, is that Hunter is also the father of a five-year-old girl from Arkansas named Navy Joan, a fact that until recently he fought very hard to deny. Speaking to Amelia Adams, Navy’s mother, Lunden Roberts, reveals the difficulties she has encountered dealing with Hunter Biden, as well as her hope her bubbly daughter might one day be welcomed into the wider Biden clan. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producers: Natalie Clancy, Sheree Gibson SNEAK PEEK
HIGH ALERT
Two weeks ago, 60 MINUTES reported on the emerging threat of nitazenes, highly potent synthetic opioids which can be up to a thousand times stronger than morphine. The day after Dimity Clancey’s story was broadcast, her warning about these illicit drugs, many of which are manufactured in Chinese labs, was validated in the worst possible way. Four people inside a home in Melbourne, including a 17-year-old boy, died after taking cocaine, not knowing it was laced with nitazenes. It’s a tragic and senseless waste of life, but as Clancey reports, the Australian Federal Police, as well as other law enforcement agencies, are now determined to stop the influx of nitazenes into the country. Reporter: Dimity Clancey Producer: Serge Negus
As a boss of the militant CFMEU for 12 years, John Setka was as tough and feared a union leader as Australia has ever seen. In that time, he made plenty of noise, but late on Friday afternoon, with barely a whimper, he suddenly quit. What Setka didn’t mention in his resignation announcement was his decision to stand down followed his refusal to answer questions put to him by 60 MINUTES, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Financial Review. Reporter Nick McKenzie had wanted Setka to explain why his Victorian construction branch had been infiltrated by underworld figures and outlaw motorcycle gang members. In leaving, Setka said he hoped his resignation would end further scrutiny of the CFMEU, but McKenzie’s report, which has been nine months in the making, will only enhance calls for more investigation into the menacing ways of this out-of-control union. Reporter: Nick McKenzie
