Nowhere to run: abused by our coach
Monday 6th June at 8.30pm
âSports coaches can have sex with or sexually abuse a sixteen-year-old and pretty much get away with it.â Charlie Webster, journalist and survivor
Journalist Charlie Webster has covered some of the biggest sporting events in the world. But there was one story she was never able to tell. Until now.
âWhen I was nineteen, our coach was arrested and convicted, and it was only then I realised I wasnât the only one heâd abused.â
On Monday, Four Corners tells the story of what happened to a group of young female athletes who were groomed and abused by their running coach.
âWhy did we never tell anyone? . . I just feel like I was first. I feel like I could have saved (them) or I could have said something.â
In a personal investigation Charlie Webster sets out to find her teenage running friends who all dreamt of becoming Olympic athletes, to learn the truth of what happened to them at the hands of a manipulative predator.
âTo this day, I donât know what my friends went through, can I find them, will they even talk to me?â
One by one she is reunited with the girls, who were once the best of friends and who also suffered in silence.
âI know now I wasnât the first. Iâve spoken to another girl . . . she told me heâd abused her seven years before me.â
Disturbingly Charlie Websterâs investigation also reveals abuse by sports coaches is still not being adequately addressed by governing bodies.
âThe more digging I do the more troubled I am by the scale of the problem in athletics.â
Charlie Webster is now using her story to advocate for better protection for young athletes, ensure abuse is exposed and perpetrators are punished.
âI just want to make sure nobody else goes through it. And people to understand why, to really understand why this has to stop.â
Nowhere to Run, reported by Charlie Webster, goes to air on Monday 6th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 7th June at 11pm and Wednesday 8th June 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.
Holding on to Hope: The race to solve dementia
Monday 13 June 8.30pm
âItâs the number one fear that older people have. More than any other disease ⌠more than anything else.â Dementia clinician
Half a million Australians live with dementia and for the past two decades scientists have been working on a new drug treatment they hope will combat the most common form, Alzheimerâs disease.
âIf we can give people another five years of quality life, thatâs going to make a massive difference to people around the world. Itâs going to make a massive difference to healthcare systems around the world as well.â Neurologist
Monday on Four Corners, the ABCâs health expert Dr Norman Swan investigates the science behind the treatment in the race to solve dementia.
âThe drugs that weâre using should delay the onset of any cognitive impairment if the trial is successful.â Australian neuropathologist
But scientific community is divided. Dr Swan talks to world experts who claim the drug could be doing more harm than good.
âI would not prescribe it and I would not prescribe it for myself or anybody else in my family because of this lack of benefit and substantial risk of side effects.â American neurologist
The controversial debate has increased frustration amongst dementia patients and advocates who worry that too much hope has been placed in just one treatment option.
âWe had too many centuries of dementia with no cure, no prevention, no delay. So we ought to be able to find something. Itâs no use saying, âI will focus on this area and foreclose research into a whole range of other areasâ. Thatâs not the way research ought to be conducted.â Dementia patient advocate
Dr Swanâs investigation also looks at evidence that lifestyle choices may help delay the onset of the disease while the world waits for a cure.
âIf we get the whole population to be exercising more, eating more healthily, being more cognitively and socially engaged ⌠that would reap enormous dividends.â Dementia authority
Holding on to Hope, reported by Dr Norman Swan, goes to air on Monday 13th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 14th June at 11.00pm and Wednesday 15th 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 .
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1534699859302678528?s=20&t=J7svY_INB6u2X93384wxgQ
The Abduction of Milly Dowler
Monday 20 June 8.30pm
âIâm angry that he did it and got away with it for so long.â Milly Dowlerâs best friend
Levi Bellfield is one of Britainâs most notorious serial killer but despite available evidence and tip offs, it took police several years to arrest him for the murder of three women, including British teenager Milly Dowler.
âHad they joined up all the dots, it could have led to his arrest much earlier, and that could have saved a lot of other people being attacked by him.â Crime reporter
On Monday Four Corners examines the failures in the investigation into the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler.
âIt was a mess. There were no clear lines of enquiry.â Retired Det Chief Superintendent
This gripping film features interviews with senior police and those covering the case as evidence mounted up against the killer.
âThere was a loft hatch which was closed. So they got a ladder, they got up into the loft hatch, and under the loft insulation, there he was, stark naked.â Former crime reporter.
Also speaking out is the murdererâs ex-partner who provided the crucial tip off which led to Bellfieldâs arrest.
âWhen they asked me, âWhy do you think you know who might have killed her?â and I said, 'Because my kidsâ father, my ex-boyfriend, is violent, he hates blondes, he knows the area very well, and he drives a white van âcos heâs a wheel clamperâ.â Ex-partner of Levi Bellfield
The true crime documentary also sheds light on the role of the media in the Milly Dowler case, in particular the illegal activity undertaken by the Murdoch owned tabloid News of the World.
âWe absolutely felt we were above the law, and we were above the law. If you could produce a News of the World press card, it was a get out of jail card.â Former News of the World reporter
Former senior police reveal investigators did not initially pursue the News of the World when it was clear the tabloid had information about the missing teenager that was obtained through criminal activity.
âThe only way they could have achieved that was through hacking into Milly Dowlerâs phone. Now, instead of actually investigating that, in effect, it seems as if they turned a blind eye to it, in order to appease the media.â Retired Det Chief Superintendent.
The newspaper was eventually shut down as a result of the hacking of Milly Dowlerâs phone and serial killer Levi Bellfield was sentenced to life in prison.
âThereâs always been a picture of Milly in the incident room and it was always a 13-year-old schoolgirl. When we eventually got to court, all her school friends, were women now⌠and that brought it home really that Milly had missed out on all that.â Retired Detective Constable
Bellfield will die behind bars, but Milly Dowlerâs death and the harm he caused to many others still haunts those left behind.
âIt just seems so harrowing that someoneâs taken someone from you⌠and then actually went on to hurt more people. I think thatâs whatâs really upsetting, is that more people got hurt after that.â Milly Dowlerâs best friend.
The Abduction of Milly Dowler goes to air on Monday 20th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 21st June at 11.00pm and Wednesday 22nd at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST and ABC iview.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1537228933371899906?s=20&t=DICul_wGKswS2gM_t8TWhw
Vape Haze: The new addiction of vaping
Monday 27 June at 8.30pm
âItâs the last thing you do before you go to sleep. Itâs the first thing you do when you wake up. Sometimes you wake up a couple times during the night to hit it and then go back to sleep. Like itâs totally got a hold of you and itâs the only thing you think about.â Teenage vaper
Vaping is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that is rapidly growing in popularity amongst teenagers and young adults.
âIt was very clearly marketed to young people, people who had never smoked. You had ads in teen magazines. You had ads on childrenâs cartoon websites. Itâs no wonder this product appealed to young people so much. It was designed for them. It was marketed to them, and it was available to them.â Public health academic
Vaping was hailed as the new way to quit smoking but there are serious concerns the product is now causing nicotine addiction in teenagers.
âI was really fearful for her health. I felt really angry that this product existed, that seemed almost designed to appeal to kids. And now she couldnât stop it. It was a horrible feeling.â Mother of teenage vaper
On Monday, Four Corners investigates the explosion in vaping amongst teenagers and the booming black market which is thriving in Australia due to a failure to police the rules.
âYou can buy them from convenience stores. And thereâs also kids and young adults who buy them overseas in bulk, and then sell them. Like you go on your phone, youâre like, âCan I pick up a vape?â And theyâre like, â20 minutes.â And you just meet them somewhere and they just hand it to you.â Teenage vaper
Reporter Grace Tobin tracks down some of the suppliers who are illegally selling nicotine vapes either online or under the counter in stores.
âThe reason weâve got a black market is because people are bringing in these products, taking a chance that they wonât be apprehended, theyâre landing them for about a dollar each and theyâre selling in shops for 20 to 25, so this is a massive incentive for that to continue .â Public health professor
The program also examines the push into e-cigarettes from the big tobacco companies which has caused concern at the highest level of government.
âFor me, itâs absolutely clear that as smoking rates come down, Big Tobacco is trying to drive up in a rearguard action, the use of nicotine-based vaping. In my mind, these are merchants of death.â Former health minister
Supporters of vaping argue the regulation surrounding the product is a major impediment for people relying on e-cigarettes to quit tobacco smoking.
âItâs idiocy that smokers who want to switch from deadly cigarettes to much safer vaping have to jump through hoops to do that, but if they want to keep using deadly cigarettes, they can get them very easily from 20,000 outlets. Thatâs crazy.â Vaping advocate
But public health researchers warn vaping poses a significant long-term risk.
âYou are inhaling a cocktail of chemicals, particularly the flavouring chemicals that we have no idea what the long-term consequences of that are going to be.â Public health professor
Vape Haze, reported by Grace Tobin goes to air on Monday 27th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 28th June at 11.00pm and Wednesday 29th June at 10am. It can also been seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1539762788876181505?s=20&t=cmTEu65404T-xWzrWZM3FA
Dr Chau Chak Wing
Update
In February 2021, Justice Rares delivered judgment in Dr Chau Chak Wingâs defamation proceedings against the ABC and Fairfax Media Publications concerning the Four Corners program âPower and Influenceâ, broadcast on 5 June 2017. The Court found that the Four Corners program conveyed a number of defamatory imputations about Dr Chau. Following delivery of the Courtâs judgment, the ABC removed âPower and Influenceâ from its website. Also on 5 June 2017, the ABC published an online article that included, among other matters, references to Dr Chau concerning similar subject matter to the âPower and Influenceâ program. The ABC has now removed that article from its website.
The War Within: How factional infighting contributed to the Liberal partyâs election loss
Monday 4 July at 8:30pm
â(Itâs) a cancer thatâs infected the party and it needs to be excised. This cancer needs to be cut out. Iâm speaking out because many, many people inside the Liberal party arenât able to speak.â Former Liberal party state executive member
In the lead up to this yearâs federal election a factional war inside the Liberal party was about to explode.
âItâs the eve of the election, they say, âOh, well, letâs stop these factional games. Letâs just appoint them.â And thatâs what happened. And I believe it cost them the election.â Former Liberal party member
Monday on Four Corners Liberal insiders speak out for the first time about the deep divisions within the party that directly implicated former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and went all the way to the High Court.
âThere was World War 3 between the factions in terms of the candidates who had been nominated.â Senior Liberal
Scott Morrisonâs involvement in overriding local branches to ensure the pre-selection of sitting members publicly reignited an ongoing feud within the Liberal party.
âThe general public is completely turned off by what they see as factional games. Thatâs why we have to get our house in order. Our job is to fight for them, not fight each other.â senior Liberal MP
One popular sitting Liberal MP reveals the aggressive branch stacking by the conservative faction to try and get rid of her.
"They aggressively took over that meeting, every single executive spot that belonged to local people. They shouted over me. They shouted over anyone that disputed their claim for positions. These were people weâd never met before in our lives. A bunch of blokes who were working specifically to take me out. " Liberal MP
Reporter Sean Nicholls also reveals extraordinary allegations about back room Liberal party operatives and their relationships with wealthy business interests.
âI thought Iâd seen it all. Iâm pretty appalled . . I better not talk about this. Iâm sorry.â Former Liberal party member
The War Within, reported by Sean Nicholls, goes to air on Monday 4th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 5th July at 11.00pm and Wednesday 6th July 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.
Washed Away
Monday 11 July 8:30 PM
âWe canât keep asking people to be flooded. Itâs emotionally draining, itâs financially devastating. And itâs unfair. Itâs unreasonable to just keep expecting these people to pick up the pieces for some of the decisions that the system has made.â Flood historian
On Monday, Four Corners examines Australiaâs ongoing flood catastrophe. Reporter Adam Harvey travels to Lismore, Brisbane and Western Sydney and meets families struggling with current and past flood events. They tell stories of despair, abandonment, and financial ruin. Many have lost everything, including hope.
âI struggle to go home. I donât like going back to the house at the moment. And I keep trying to convince myself that Iâm dealing with this and Iâm all right. I know that Iâm actually not.â Flood victim
As the country finds itself in the middle of another flood crisis a critical issue is still not being addressed: why are governments ignoring warnings about building residential developments in areas that constantly flood?
âWe are continuing to put Greenfield development onto the flood plain ⌠where there is pretty significant risk to property and in some instances to life as well. And that is something that we just canât continue to do.â Dean of Architecture
With more extreme weather predicted over the coming months the pressure is mounting for flood affected residents to make the traumatic choice â to move or rebuild.
âWe just sit here in limbo. We donât want to do any repairs, but it gets sad every morning, getting up to the same mess. It just doesnât go away. They need to get on and get it sorted. Weâre not the only ones living through this nightmare.â Flood victim
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1544825179192168448?s=20&t=SQFLLcWpRTBxkdYTFZJsgg
Washed Away, reported by Adam Harvey goes to air on Monday 11th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 12th July at 11.00pm and Wednesday 13th July 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.
Facing Beauty: Chinaâs plastic surgery addiction
Monday 18 July 8:30 PM
âUp to now, my total spent is more than US$470,000. I feel to become someone I like; the price is worth it.â Beauty blogger
The plastic surgery industry in China is booming. Demand for cosmetic procedures is so widespread among the countryâs young population itâs now estimated the industry will be worth $200 billion US by 2030.
âBecause we are in a digital era now, we are in contact with the world more often. We hope to become more beautifulâ Plastic surgeon
On Monday, Four Corners examines the massive growth in Chinaâs beauty obsession. The program meets the social media influencers and the ordinary young Chinese who are prepared to undergo extreme procedures to radically change their appearance.
âEverything you see is fake ⌠I have done hair transplants, I have done cranial top procedure. I have done forehead fillers, operated on my eyebrow arch, my double eyelids have been injected with hyaluronic acid. My nose has undergone four surgeries and three types of fat fillers.â Social media influencer
The plastic surgery boom is being influenced by beauty apps which promote an ideal ratio in human facial features. Once faces are assessed users can have plans for surgeries drawn up and be connected to endorsed clinics.
âThe app said that I can go for a nose job, because the bottom of the nose is really low, and inject facial fillers to improve the sunken cheeks, because I may have laugh lines, right? Overall, I feel that it is quite scientific.â 21-year-old student
The growth in the industry has led to an expansion of medical beauty institutions who employ staff without adequate medical qualifications. Whilst some extreme procedures have been banned the demand for cosmetic change continues.
âIt is unlike 10 or 20 years ago where plastic surgery was something that was embarrassing, itâs not like that anymore. It is now popularised by the masses.â Medical consultant.
Facing Beauty goes to air on Monday 18th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 19th July at 11.00pm and Wednesday 20th July at 10am. It can also been seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1547379860859142145?s=20&t=PcAWCGQ7l_5bhmqUOr7cKA
Psyched Up: The race to make psychedelic drugs part of mainstream medicine
Monday 25 July 8:30 PM
âWe see a lot of people out there who are suffering, and weâre determined to bring these therapies into the medical system, so psychiatrists can use them with their patients. Thatâs what weâre trying to do.â Psychedelic drug therapy advocate
In Australia and overseas thereâs a push to make psychedelic drugs part of mainstream medicine for the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. Results from clinical trials are promising for PTSD sufferers where conventional treatments have failed.
âIt shows that two in three people responded to the treatment. They didnât meet criteria for PTSD anymore. And those were people that were treatment resistant.â Psychologist
On Monday Four Corners investigates the world of psychedelic drugs, including the underground supply which is being sourced by increasing numbers of people who donât want to wait for the clinical trials to be concluded.
âThe level of demand is huge. A lot of people are self-medicating, especially the psilocybin mushrooms, whether micro-dosing or, to different degrees, macro-dosing.â Psychedelic drug supplier
Reporter Elise Worthington also investigates the dark side of this form of therapy where disturbing cases of abuse and malpractice are emerging in both clinical trials and the underground.
âThereâs everything from people being dosed without their consent, to people being encouraged to sleep with practitioners in exchange for services, to people being pressured to participate in group contexts, and so-called rituals that they otherwise wouldnât have engaged in.â Underground researcher
Thereâs now pressure in the industry to downplay the negative stories by those who stand to profit from the business of psychedelics.
âThereâs a sense of, well, donât say anything bad about psychedelics because itâll harm the movement and weâll stop progressing . . And if that goes unchecked, then you could just have a situation where a lot of vulnerable people are being taken advantage of.â Whistle-blower
Psyched Up, reported by Elise Worthington, goes to air on Monday 25th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 26th July at 11.00pm and Wednesday 27th July 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.
Pacific Capture: How Chinese money is buying the Solomons
Monday 1 August 8:30 PM
On Monday Four Corners travels to the Solomon Islands to investigate the extent of Chinese influence and control in the strategically located Pacific nation.
Reporter Angus Grigg reveals new details about the Chinese money being used by Prime Minister Sogavare to secure his hold over the country.
âReporter: Do you think this money helps the Prime Minister stay in power?
Solomon Islands MP: Well, heâs stayed in power, hasnât he?â
The signing of a new security deal between the Solomon Islands and China has raised foreign policy concerns in Australia and the United States. There are also concerns amongst Solomon Islanders the deal will lead to the establishment of a military base.
âTo suggest that we should have another country coming in here as a security partner, to even suggest the idea of having to build a military base, who are we building a military base for? Who are our enemies?â Solomon Islands MP
The program will also examine other key industries in the Solomon Islands where Chinese state-owned companies are taking over to the detriment of local communities.
âIt is not at all good for Solomon Islands⌠it destroys the social fabric of every community. Brothers are fighting against brothers. Communities are no longer talking to each other.â Former Cabinet secretary.
Pacific Capture, reported by Angus Grigg, goes to air on Monday 1st August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 2nd August at 11.00pm and Wednesday 3rd 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.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1552456609515077633?s=20&t=IIRchw2S13V9-sDmdU5dUA
The Whistleblowers: Inside the UN
Monday 8 August 8:30 PM
The United Nations has been at the forefront of work to uphold human rights and promote global peace for more than 70 years. But what happens when the organisation responsible for fixing the worldâs problems is accused of wrongdoing and corruption?
âTheir idea in dealing with whistleblowers is they must destroy the individual, by any means necessary.â Former UN climate change adviser
On Monday Four Corners tells the story of several former UN insiders who allege a wide range of sexual abuse and corruption across many UN agencies. These first-hand accounts come from whistleblowers with decades of experience working at the worldâs top diplomatic institution.
âSexual abuse, exploitation and harassment in the UN happens in headquarters. It happens Monday to Friday, it happens during regular work hours. It happens everywhere.â Former UN senior advisor
The UN employs more than 35,000 staff, most of whom are protected by immunity from local laws. The whistleblowersâ stories reveal a culture of untouchability that reaches the highest levels of the organisation. Those who speak out and who take on the hierarchy do so at great personal cost.
âThey told me that they had been sent by the UN, and that they were there to take me, basically against my will, to a mental hospital. So, effectively the UN tried to have me sectioned.â Former UN Human Rights officer
The Whistleblowers goes to air on Monday 8th August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 9th August at 11pm and Wednesday 10th August 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.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1554979843132952576?s=20&t=DzuWfBhGGkwWIEMyfycJLA
Independentsâ Day: Behind the scenes with the new force in politics
Monday 15 August 8:30 PM
âI feel like an imposter. . . it hasnât sunk in yet. I think it wonât sink in until I get to sit in Parliament House on the 26th of July.â
On Monday Four Corners goes behind the scenes with some of the Independent women who defied the odds and defeated high profile politicians from the two major political parties. Reporter Louise Milligan has gained unusual access to two newly minted MPs and one Senator to document their transition to Canberra.
âWeâll need to make this our spaceâŚweâll need to work on our feng shui! Itâs strange to move into someone elseâs space. I actually feel like Iâm intruding at this point.â Independent MP
Four Corners has filmed personal moments, away from the public spotlight, as these new MPs begin to navigate their roles as elected MPs and Senators. We also document the moments when the reality of their public lives sinks in.
âI certainly am copping it from people in my electorate who said âand now youâre powerlessâ. . . âYou didnât hold the balance of power.ââ Independent MP
The unexpected staff cutbacks initiated by Prime Minister Albanese have rocked the Independents over the last several weeks. In a parliament they hoped would be more reasonable itâs been viewed by some as an attack to limit their success.
âI donât think he wants us to be a raging success, because then perhaps people in other electorates. . .might think that community independents are the way to go in other seats as well. . . It was an act of huge bastardry.â Independent MP
Independentsâ Day, reported by Louise Milligan, goes to air on Monday 15th August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 16th August at 11.00pm and Wednesday 17th 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.
Myanmar: The Forgotten Revolution
Monday 22 August 8:30PM
Four Corners reports the inside story of a nationâs descent into a civil war largely ignored by the rest of the world.
âThey are using us for target practice and torturing us.â Protester
Almost 20,000 people have reportedly been killed since the military seized power in Myanmar in February 2021.
Over the past year filmmakers have worked with local journalists who have risked their lives to secretly document the armyâs brutal repression.
The result is a forensic investigation into the repeated use of lethal force on large numbers of peaceful protesters.
âI got quite angry, they were killing people like they kill poultry. As if it was nothing.â Protester
Despite the death toll, protesters continue to voice their opposition to the coup as growing numbers of young people leave their regular jobs to train with guerilla armies in the jungle.
Four Corners goes into the jungles of Myanmar to meet these young idealistic fighters who are risking everything in the fight for their country.
âAll of us, including myself, are ready to fight until our last breath.â Gen Z activist
Myanmar: The Forgotten Revolution goes to air on Monday 22nd August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 23rd August at 11.00pm and Wednesday 24th 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.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1560129869182210048?s=20&t=6nJh0tvRD9VZ4ZCTSHXhsg
ABC response to Solomon Islands OPMC press release
The ABC wishes to correct the following factual errors in the press release issued by the Solomon Islands Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet regarding the Four Corners report âPacific Captureâ, which examined the impact of Chinaâs growing presence across Solomon Islands.
At no point did the program rely on âmisinformation and distribution of pre-conceived prejudicial informationâ.
It was not our intention to âcause division between the governments of Australia and Solomon Islandsâ, rather to highlight issues of concern to all Solomon Islanders.
We completely reject the offensive notion of âracial profiling that is bordering racism and race stereotypingâ. In fact, we were determined to tell the story from the perspective of Solomon Islanders and the program reflected their concerns. Its main interviews were with two eminent Solomon Islanders, rather than relying on âforeign expertsâ as is often the case. The ABC rejects the idea that we were âputting words into the mouths of the intervieweesâ and sees this as insulting to the Solomon Islanders who appeared in the program.
On the issue of Kolombangara, the ABC did not say that the âshareholders have made a decision to sell off the company to a Chinese firmâ. Rather, the program accurately reported that the issue had been discussed at board level and that the Australian directors were so concerned about a potential sale to a Chinese state-owned company that they twice wrote to the Federal Government expressing concerns that the purchase could be used by Beijing to establish a base under the cover of a commercial enterprise. Foreign Minister Penny Wongâs office confirmed it was aware of the issue. Her office has also not ruled out intervening. The ABC also notes that the plantation on Kolombangara is owned 85 per cent by the Nien Family of Taiwan and 15 per cent by the government of the Solomon Islands, not the 60/40 split claimed in the press release.
It is incorrect to claim that the program did not acknowledge that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare ârepeatedly reaffirmed to Solomon Islanders and the Pacific region that there will be no military or naval base in Solomon Islandsâ.
The program said: âAt a meeting in Fiji, Sogavare assured the new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Beijing wonât be allowed to establish a military base in the Solomons.â It went on to say that one of the main concerns was that a commercial enterprise controlled by Beijing could one day be used to house military assets.
The ABC stands by the accuracy and integrity of the reporting in this program.
The Wolf of Woy Woy: The working-class investors duped by a man the regulators wonât pursue
Monday 29 August 8.30PM
âHe promised me Iâd make a fortune. He promised me, âThis would change your lifeâ.â First time investor
When a smooth-talking businessman came to a working-class Australian suburb his promises of a better life were intoxicating. Hundreds of investors believed him and bought shares in the mining exploration company he spruiked.
âWeâre just battlers. You know we did what we thought was right, we were led to believe it was going to make money.â
Instead, almost all the battlers lost their hard-earned cash, for some their entire life savings.
âAfter we invested our money . . . He virtually vanished.â Pensioner
On Monday Four Corners reporter Caro Meldrum-Hanna goes in pursuit of the elusive businessman and the missing money people invested in his business, obtaining hundreds of internal company documents.
âIt became more and more apparent that it was just a vehicle . . to spend other peopleâs money.â Former employee
And we meet the company whistle-blower who says his complaints to Australiaâs financial regulator fell on deaf ears.
âI blew the whistle. I raised the alarm, gave all the evidence through the proper channels and not even a phone call, email, nothing. I could have given them whatever they wanted. Not a peep from them.â Whistleblower
The Wolf of Woy Woy, reported by Caro Meldrum-Hanna, goes to air on Monday 29th August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 30th August at 11.00pm and Wednesday 31st 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.
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1562670342879203328?s=20&t=eWtZuz4oat5Xgu8j_QJRUA
Flight Risk: The inside story of the chaos at Qantas
Monday 5 September 8:30 PM
Until recently Qantas had a reputation envied by airlines all over the world. But now the Spirit of Australia is in damage control, beset by customer complaints and a demoralised workforce.
âIt is gut-wrenching to see the company that we loved end up like this.â Former Qantas worker
On Monday Four Corners reports the inside story of the decline of Qantas. Reporter Stephen Long has spoken to current and former staff including pilots, flight attendants and baggage handlers. They tell a story of ruthless cost cutting and a divide and conquer culture.
"The cuts that have come from the decisions of management have been incredibly, incredibly deep. [It] is now impacting upon not only the customer experience, but ⌠it just makes us feel like weâre disposable and almost like the company hates us." Flight attendant
While Qantas has blamed its recent problems on labour shortages and COVID illness, current and former staff point to a deliberate corporate strategy to outsource jobs as contributing significantly to the chaos inside the airline.
âI think whatâs happened is weâve taken an AFL standard team of ground handlers and ground staff and what weâve done is, weâve actually recruited the under 19s from the local park to replace them.â Pilot
Insiders are also worried that the airlineâs reputation for safety is being put at risk by Qantas.
âWeâre working longer hours. We are redlining, running at max capacity in a very dynamic, challenging environment. Thereâs a lot that can go wrong.â Pilot
Flight Risk, reported by Stephen Long goes to air on Monday 5th September at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 6th September at 11pm and Wednesday 7th September 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
https://twitter.com/4corners/status/1565140178238586880?s=20&t=4llU9O10PQWRdtyz-8pVxw
According to The Australian, the Qantas episode will screen tonight despite continuing jousting behind the scenes between the ABC and the airline. The paper says that the ABC rejected an offer from Qantas CEO Alan Joyce for a full, unedited interview on Four Corners, instead the broadcaster offered that if Joyce agreed to an interview, it would run in full on one or more of its digital platforms, possibly including iView. Joyce turned down the offer.