In an upcoming episode of Under Investigation with Liz Hayes airing on Channel 9 and 9Now, a fresh spotlight will be placed on the tragic event surrounding the Balibo Five, a case shrouded in secrecy for nearly half a century.
In 1975, five Australian journalists from Channel 7 and Channel 9 ventured into East Timor, aiming to shed light on the brewing conflict and potential Indonesian invasion plans. Tragically, they never got a chance to share their findings, as their lives were tragically cut short. Their deaths have long been a subject of speculation, whispers of cover-ups, and official denials.
“Even now,” shares Liz Hayes, “there are still secrets about what happened to the Balibo Five being kept from the Australian people.”
Under Investigation will present a comprehensive look into this case, led by Hayes and a panel of experts. The episode promises the unearthing of classified documents that could provide insights into what the Australian government knew, or didn’t, at the time of the journalists’ murders by Indonesian special forces.
Among the key materials discussed are covert cables and messages that suggest that those in power were well-aware of the impending danger facing the journalists. This episode will contend that the aftermath of their deaths might be “the greatest cover-up in Australian political history.”
The upcoming investigation will showcase snippets from the last reports of the journalists, notably from Channel 7‘s Greg Shackleton, who expressed deep emotion concerning the situation in East Timor, shortly before his untimely demise.
Hayes will be joined by Professor Clinton Fernandes, a seasoned intelligence analyst and historian; Amanda Vanstone AO, with her unique understanding of governmental operations; Lurdes Pires, an East Timor activist who had personal interactions with the journalists before escaping the unrest; and John Milkins, who is directly connected to the tragedy as the offspring of Gary Cunningham, one of the Balibo Five.
“I was left at times in disbelief by what I heard,” states Hayes. “I can only imagine how devastated the families of the Balibo Five must have been, particularly when it became clear the newsmen could have been saved.”
Nothing new will come out from this. Let it rest and move on.