I just watched the program, holy hell this guy should have been struck off years ago.
I had read the bit about the nurses being asked to take human fat home when they knew an auditor was coming. But I didnât know that this was because the fat was to be re-injected into patients during other procedures! And he has the gall to call it a âspecial fat transfer bankâ on his website:
The title âsurgeonâ and âcosmetic surgeonâ must be protected. It is clear that members of the public have no idea that the qualifications required to operate under these titles are no more than whatâs required for a general practitioner, and allows narcissistic shysters like Lanzer to perform procedures without any significant training.
Well done to Four Corners + Nineâs newspapers for getting this scalp.
Obeid Inc: the secret deals making the Obeid family millions
Monday 8 November at 8.30pm
âI am satisfied that the objective seriousness of the conspiracy was one of the highest order.â Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Fullerton
The name Eddie Obeid once inspired fear. As a Labor factional boss, he was the ultimate backroom kingmaker.
âHe didnât want to talk, didnât want to fraterniseâŚTo me, his business was done behind closed doors.â Former NSW MP
Today, his name is a byword for corruption and abuse of office. Just over two weeks ago, he was sentenced to jail for a second time, after being found guilty alongside one of his sons of conspiring to rig a lucrative mining tender to benefit the family.
âThe Obeids bought a family farm up in the Bylong Valley. They seem to have discovered that there was coal under the soil. And they set out to manipulate that⌠it was just like a windfall profit.â Former Counsel Assisting, NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
The corruption watchdogâs investigations into the Obeid dealings exposed the inner workings of the family business model.
âThe Obeids operation is simple, straightforward, and itâs used over and over and over againâŚThey love a little trustee, a discretionary trust in which these people who are cooperative agree to hold benefits on trust for the Obeidâs family.â Former Counsel Assisting, ICAC
But the story does not end with Eddie Obeid behind bars. A staggering $30 million dollars from that criminal deal is still in hands of Eddie Obeid and his family companies, and they owe millions more in court costs and unpaid taxes. On Monday, Four Corners reveals how business is still booming for the Obeids and funding their lavish lifestyle.
âTheyâre still in private schools, theyâre still in luxury houses, theyâre still living their affluent lifestyle. It doesnât appear to have had any negative impact at all. As far as I can tellâŚitâs just business as usual.â Star witness
For months Four Corners has been on the financial trail and has uncovered secret business dealings which could reap the Obeids millions more.
âWhat if I told you the Obeid family, that is Eddie Obeid and his children are behind that?â Angus Grigg, reporter
Obeid Inc, reported by Angus Grigg, goes to air on Monday 8th November at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 9th at 1.00pm and Wednesday 10th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1456006521641263107?s=20
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1456794671724695552?s=20
Companion piece to tonightâs Obeid Inc story.
Returns Monday Nights at 8:30 pm from 7 February
Four Corners is Australiaâs longest running current affairs program and a powerhouse of
investigative journalism - fearless and forensic, holding power to account throughout six decades â and counting.Since August 1961, Four Corners has been exposing scandals, triggering inquiries, firing debate and confronting taboos for and behalf of the Australian public.
The programâs excellence in journalism and film-making has amassed 62 Walkley awards, seven of them the coveted Gold, 23 Logie awards and has earned worldwide recognition and an array of other
international awards.
ELECTION 22: Scott Morrison, the incumbent | Part 1
Monday 7 February at 8.30pm
Election 22: Australiaâs Choice
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1488998215567360002?s=20&t=MfCVKgyQB7k0NPRuUlTruQ
âI look at both major parties and Iâm really struggling having any kind of trust in either of them.â Retired engineer, seat of Corangamite, VIC
Some time in the next four months Australians will head to the ballot box to choose the next Prime Minister. Political strategists, pollsters and the media will be doing all they can to get into the heads of voters, to predict and analyse the outcome. On Monday, Four Corners kicks off a new season with the first in a two-part special focusing on voters as they weigh up their options in key electorates across the nation, to find out what it will take to get their vote.
Part 1: The Incumbent.
âMr Morrison, coming up to where we are today, I donât truly know what you stand for.â Management consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW
Three years after he led the coalition to a âmiracleâ election victory, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is asking for another term in office. In this first episode, voters assess the key moments of Scott Morrisonâs prime ministership, and share their opinions of his leadership.
âHeâs just a sort of bloke. I mean, I donât think thereâs anything malicious, or whatever about his attitude. Itâs just a standard white, middle class male attitude.â Retiree, seat of Corangamite, VIC
In frank interviews, these voters â who live in critical electorates and identified themselves as undecided â deliver a report card on everything from the unfolding pandemic to climate policy and matters of trust.
âPeople attack him about being a liar. I wouldnât go as far as saying necessarily a liar, but I think in some cases heâs sly. So, I donât think he always tells everything a hundred percent because heâs got other motives.â Media sales consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW
They donât shy away from voicing their opinions on the contentious moments of Scott Morrisonâs prime ministership.
"He does not accept any mistakes. So he just tries to go around, round, round, in order to justify what his actions were. But he, he really does not accept any mistakes. Civil engineer, seat of Parramatta, NSW
Many have strong praise for the big decisions taken by the PM to guide the nation through the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
âIt was good policy, it was necessary. People were losing jobs and businesses were going under. And it was only through the Job Keeper that they could actually keep people employed, and so that was super important.â Pharmacist, seat of Chisholm, VIC
But the governmentâs response to the spread of the Omicron variant has also fuelled frustration.
âI donât think thereâs been much foresight, trying to see âwell what could be the next thing happening down the track? What can we possibly foresee or prepare for in future?â. I donât think heâs done very well with that. And I think people might reflect on that.â Tax auditor, seat of Cowan, WA
This cross section of voters provide an insightful portrait of Scott Morrisonâs prime ministership and the questions heâll need to answer to persuade Australians to give him another go.
âI generally do not make-up my final decision until probably a couple of weeks before the electionâŚitâs a long time in politics. Just a couple of weeks (and) a lot can change.â Administration & accounts officer, seat of Longman, QLD
The following week, in part two of this special, the voters turn their attention to Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
"I think when I first heard that Anthony Albanese had taken over as leader, I think my first opinion was scratching my head going, âReally? Is he the best theyâve got?â Media sales consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW
Election 22: Australiaâs Choice, reported by Sean Nicholls. Part 1 goes to air on Monday 7th February at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 8th February at 11.00pm and Wednesday 9th at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners
ELECTION 2022: Anthony Albanese, the contender | Part 2
Monday 14 February at 8.30pm
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1491525760791859203?s=20&t=xpngfh_Ozkg4PeJyPQ9x4A
âI want you to impress upon me why I should elect you⌠and your party to lead this country into the future.â Voter, seat of Gilmore, NSW
With an election due some time in the next few months, Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese is facing the biggest test of his political life. His job is to convince voters that he, and the Labor party, are ready to run the country.
On Monday, in part two of this Four Corners political special, voters in key seats give their assessment of Anthony Albaneseâs performance so far.
âWhen I first heard that Anthony Albanese had taken over as leader, I think my first opinion was scratching my head going, âReally? Is he the best theyâve got?ââ Voter, seat of Gilmore, NSW
Mr Albanese emerged as leader from the smoking ruins of Laborâs 2019 election loss. Heâs devoted his life to politics, with a strong personal brand in his Sydney electorate. The question is, does the rest of Australia know who he is?
âUnknown, untested and untried.â Voter, seat of Corangamite, VIC
As leader, Anthony Albanese jettisoned the major policies many blamed for Laborâs electoral loss and adopted a small target strategy. This has left some voters questioning what he, and his party, stand for.
âSmall target approach - Itâs a little bit annoying because I want to know definitely, what are you standing for? Where are you, moving forward? And what do you want to do?,â Voter, seat of Cowan, WA
The ability to âcut throughâ as an opposition leader is a difficult task at the best of times, made all the harder in the midst of a global pandemic. Some like the non-partisan approach Mr Albanese has taken during this national emergency.
âI really liked his effortsâŚhe seemed to throw all his weight behind the government and what the government, both federally and on a state and territory basis, were trying to do, which was very impressive.â Voter, seat of Gilmore, NSW
But with the election looming, these voters, who identified themselves as undecided, give their unvarnished assessments of Laborâs economic credentials and approach to climate change.
âItâs better than the Coalitionâs policy, but itâs nowhere near strong enough. I mean, you look at other areas in the world and weâre so far behind. Honestly, it makes me embarrassed to be Australian when I look at the two main parties and what, what their proposals are. Itâs, really poor.â Voter, seat of Corangamite, VIC
These voters give an insight into what many in the electorate are looking for as they prepare to cast their vote, and show how big the task is for Anthony Albanese.
âIs he leadership material? Havenât seen that yet.â Voter, seat of Chisholm, VIC
Election 22: Australiaâs Choice, reported by Sean Nicholls, goes to air on Monday 14th February at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 8th February at 11.00pm and Wednesday 9th at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST,
Feral: The bitter clash of culture over Australiaâs wild horses
Monday 21 February 8.30pm
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1494065006941732864?s=20&t=WsfLGwe5sVlx0sIXMhoR4A
âWhatever life Iâve got left in me, Iâll fight for them.â Business owner and horse activist
In the magnificent high country of the Snowy Mountains, wild horses roam the land. Immortalised and celebrated in poems, books and films, these âbrumbiesâ are a spectacular sight, inspiring deep emotions.
âYou read that poem âThe Man from Snowy Riverâ⌠it expresses a great bonding and a great spiritual connection between these people and this culture thatâs in the mountains.â Business owner and horse activist
Not everyone subscribes to this romantic view of the history these horses are said to represent.
âThis is a culture war. This is where they want to dominate what they think Australia isâŚThe colonial crowd feel that they are the mountain men and women and they have a monopoly over what this place is.â River guide
An ugly divide is cutting through the country towns and surrounding mountains. At the centre of it is a question â are these horses a national icon or feral pests?
âIf horses are allowed to persist in these really sensitive areas, theyâre going to destroy them. The park is under significant threat.â Former park ranger
Ecologists and rangers have been warning that one of the nationâs most precious national parks is in deep trouble with soaring horse numbers creating major damage to the protected environment.
âThe grass is an inch high. Piles of manure every 20 metres. The banks of Currango Creek completely trodden downâŚThe water in it, instead of being gin clear, you canât even see the bottom. The erosion caused by the horses is just dramatic.â Volunteer
Horse activists completely reject any assertions that the brumbies are to blame.
âWe donât trust the science. And the science has been corrupted by politics.â Business owner and horse activist
They believe the brumbies, and Australiaâs national identity are under attack.
âIf it wasnât for the horses, thereâs nothing left to prove that we existed. Theyâre the last piece.â Horse activist
The debate has turned ugly with online abuse, property damage and even death threats.
âIf you speak out and youâre threatening a strongly held belief, some people are going to react, and Iâm expecting that here.â Ecologist and farmer
The stakes couldnât be higher for these majestic mountains, captured in stunning Four Cornersâ cinematography from the land and the air.
âIâm a lover of the mountains, I love horses too, but for the preservation of that ecology â good science rather than romantic bullshit should be listened to.â Farmer
Feral, reported by Adam Harvey, goes to air on Monday 21st February at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 22nd February at 11.00pm and Wednesday 23rd at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Will wild horses be more popular than politicians next Monday?
Russia vs Russia: Putinâs aggressive power play
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1496604242987335683
âEach time we have backed down from the West, they have aggressively imposed their economic, cultural models and their moral values on us⌠that will never happen again, that ship has sailed.â Putin political ally
In Ukraine, a serious escalation of the military and diplomatic crisis is taking place with Russian forces moving in as so-called âpeacekeepersâ. President Vladimir Putin has gone on the attack, taking aim at western nations, accusing them of threatening the Russian state and raising grievances dating back to the Cold War. Stoking the fires of this Russian nationalist sentiment is part of the Putin playbook.
âPutinâs regime needs legitimacy. No one believes the elections are legitimate anymore, no one sees economic growth, and his popularity is plummeting. He needed national unity in order to get the Russian people to come together around one idea.â Exiled economist
With growing dissent inside Russia, President Putin has sought to paint his opponents as tools of the West.
âThere is a small percentage of young people who never knew the Soviet Union, and were brought up at a time when the Russian national idea had been abandoned. Our great mistake is that we have allowed this generation of 20 to 30-year-olds to grow up mixing Western values with their Russian culture.â Putin parliamentary ally
The regime has engaged in a ruthless campaign to shut down and lock up political opponents and activists.
âThere is a team of professional killers that serve the state. They poisoned me twice.â Opposition activist
On Monday, in this timely film, the activists who have risked everything are speaking out about the abusive political climate in Russia.
âWe were characterised as horrible people, and after, I received threats from people who wanted to shoot me, burn me, hang me.â Protestor
Many are ordinary citizens paying a heavy price for their political views.
âIâm a qualified engineer in the space industry. I used to work in a research institute, but I was forced to resign on the grounds that I was a political activist.â
High ranking political allies of President Putin say the protest movement gets what it deserves.
âThey often find themselves tangled up in the justice system. If they are victims of anything, itâs not of Putinâs regime as they say, but of their own stupidity.â Putin political ally
Despite the dangers, members of the opposition movement say they will not be silenced.
âI donât care if they follow me, if they listen in on meâŚWe know the reality of this country, and who we are dealing with.â Opposition activist
RUSSIA VS RUSSIA, an Arte production, goes to air on Monday 28th February at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 1st March at 11.00pm and Wednesday 2nd at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Heart Failure: An investigation into the hidden killer in remote Australian communities
https://twitter.com/neighbour_s/status/1499175988634460163?s=20&t=_c-MnALl6jEMrawdLl7c5w
âWe stand back and watch children, time after time again, year after year, decade after decade, having still the same end result. Which is dying far too young.â Cardiologist
Right now, in Australia there are young women dying from an easily preventable medical condition and an appalling lack of healthcare.
âThe system failed her. The health system failed her. And if I donât speak for her now and I donât tell her story, itâs going to fail somebody else again, really soon.â Cousin
This should be a national scandal.
âIf that was a white kid, in middle class Sydney, thereâd be an uproar, okay? But itâs not a white kid. You know? Itâs an Aboriginal kid living in the bush.â Indigenous health advocate
On Monday night, Four Corners investigates the shameful and, until now, hidden failure in public health taking place in remote Australian communities.
âItâs not fair. Itâs racist. Itâs unacceptable in Australia in 2021 and weâre not going to cop it anymore.â Indigenous health advocate
Incompetent and inexcusable medical care has resulted in multiple preventable deaths.
âAustralia needs to know about this.â Health expert
Those left behind are heartbroken from the loss of treasured members of their community.
âWhat happened to her, was⌠it shouldnât happen to anybody. Itâs a human life. It should have been treated rightâŚbut she wasnât treated as a human being.â Husband
Now they are telling their story to hold those in charge to account.
âWeâve got to get up, weâve got to stand up and start saying something, otherwise itâll keep doing it to us.â Husband
Heart Failure, reported by Louise Milligan, goes to air on Monday 7th March at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 8th March at 11.00pm and Wednesday 9th at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
State Control: Australians trapped, stripped of assets and silenced
Monday 14 March at 8.30pm
âIt could happen to you, it could happen to me, it can happen to anybody. Iâve seen it.â Advocate, Tasmania
On Monday, a Four Corners investigation will reveal the stories of Australians who say theyâve been virtually abducted by the state, stripped of their assets and stopped from speaking out, until now.
âThey can use your personal funds, your life savings, to fight you, to keep you entrapped in this system.â Advocate, Victoria
Some 50,000 Australians are currently under the control of Public Guardian and Trustee agencies around the country. By law, these âclientsâ are banned from speaking out about what happens to them, and journalists can be fined or jailed for reporting on them. Four Corners went to court to fight for the right to have their voices heard.
âThey are evil. Theyâre terrible. They are heartless. They are thoughtless. And theyâre just money-hungry users.â Former Queensland Trustee âclientâ
Four Corners has uncovered astonishing cases where individuals say they are being held against their will and prevented from living in their own homes.
âI donât like being effectively locked up. I want to live in the real world where I can do the things that I have done, and would do, and will do, Iâm very lonely here for that reason. I donât have anybody to talk to.â Trustee and Guardian âclientâ
And despite the Public Trusteesâ express aim being to protect the health and finances of their âclientsâ, the investigation will reveal startling cases of financial mismanagement and fee gouging by these agencies around the country.
âThe Public Trustee are the biggest perpetrators of financial abuse of elders. And this is actually legal, and this is part of the system. So, this to me is state sanctioned elder abuse.â Advocate, Queensland
This investigation, more than a year in the making, will expose how the system, designed to protect the vulnerable, does the very opposite.
âTheyâre a law unto themselves, theyâre a power unto themselves. There needs to be some oversight into how their decisions are being made.â Daughter of a Public Trustee âclientâ, Western Australia
State Control, reported by Anne Connolly, goes to air on Monday 14th March at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 15the March at 11.00pm and Wednesday 16th at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Sally Neighbour to depart in a couple of months time.