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Private Notes
Summer Series: Ex BBC The Big Picture. First in a two part series featuring the insights of British economist, Martin Jacques. He is intrigued by what he predicts to be the inevitable economic ascendancy of Asia over Europe and America, the shift in the balance of power from the west to the east.
Summer Series: Ex BBC The Big Picture. Part 2 in the series by British economist, Martin Jacques. This program focuses on two of the Asian tigers, Malaysia and Taiwan. Martin Jacques examines their approach to broad social issues such as welfare, education and the role of the family.
Summer Series: Ex BBC Assignment. BBC reporter, Ben Brown investigates the huge wealth of the children of President Suharto of Indonesia. As President Suharto nears the end of his time as President, there is increasing unrest in the country. There is growing resentment at the accumulation of wealth by the sons and daughters of the President - the family's business fortunes are estimated at more than 40 billion dollars.
Summer Series: Ex BBC & Elgin Productions. A profile of Nike, in which the BBC closely examines the corporate strategies that lie behind the brand name. The genius at the helm is Phil Knight, one of the first global entrepreneurs to exploit the low cost labour markets in SE Asia. This is the story of Nike.
Summer Series: Ex BBC & Elgin Productions. The second of a BBC series exploring the corporate strategies that lie behind the rise of global brands. This program looks at Heinz whose market share is under threat and goes into the trenches with chairman of Heinz, Tony O'Reilly as he fights off competition from cheaper baked beans.
By Murray McLaughlin. This program examines the ground-breaking reading of history which was crucial to the high court's judgement which allowed for Aboriginal title to co-exist with pastoral leasehold. Not since first settlement has there been a decision with such a major impact on land tenure in this country. This report asks if there can be a peaceful resolution and features one pastoral group who may have the answer.
By David Hardaker. The suicide of Justice David Yeldham after his secret life had been revealed scandalised the judiciary. There is evidence that the highest judicial officers in the state were made aware of his behaviour in the late 1980s but failed to take effective action. His practices, in the eyes of Sir Laurence Street, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, made him unfit to hold his office.
By Margot O'Neill. This program examines where the Labor Party is now, 12 months after its humiliating defeat. Margot O'Neill speaks with Party leaders, grass root members and voters and finds a confusion in the leadership and a Party that's been in retreat. She notes that Kim Beazley is now centre stage and asks has he got what it takes to rebuild a shattered Party? Can Labor find a way out of political limbo?
By Michael Robinson. Ex BBC Panorama. This program investigates one of the biggest financial scandals ever. One company lost 2600 million dollars. One man, Yasuo Hamanaka, is supposedly responsible. The program reveals new evidence of British involvement in Hamanaka's attempt to rig the world copper market under the noses of the British regulators. A six month investigation by the BBC tells a story of collusion, forgery and of dubious dealings worth millions of dollars.
By Andrew Fowler. This program reveals why the banking industry has lost our trust and how some banks bend the rules and break the law. We reveal a bonus system which rewards bank officials for forcing businesses to the wall. Bank malpractices are revealed and the devastating effect that these have on the lives and businesses that are affected by them.
Ex BBC Inside Story. This program examines the emotional response led by Maureen Kanka, which has lead to state and federal laws being adopted after the rape and murder of Maureen's seven-year-old daughter, Megan. The law requires that communities be notified of the name and address of any convicted sex offender - for life. The question is also raised - what of the clash between a community's right to know and the right of an offender to start a new life after paying his debt to society.
By Liz Jackson. This program pieces together the final moments leading up to the Australian Army's worst peace time disaster, the Blackhawk tragedy on June 12, 1996. We hear stories of under-training, lack of resources and extreme stress. The findings of the Army's inquiry are reviewed and questions whether the disciplining of five officers addresses all the problems. Survivors of the disaster also tell their stories.
By Sally Neighbour. This report pieces together Kerry Packer's style of doing business and reveals how key political figures have served Packer's interests. It took Packer three years and 340 million dollars to gain control of the Sydney Casino and another long-held goal, owning the Fairfax Newspaper Group, is almost within reach. The program asks whose interests are being served and how much power should one man have
By Tom Mangold. Ex BBC Panorama. This program gives an insight into the minds of dangerous men, psychopaths who have been imprisoned for committing terrible crimes. In 1991, a small number of these top security prisoners volunteered for psychotherapy with a prison psychiatrist and agreed to allow him to video-tape the actual treatment. The psychiatrist Dr Bob Johnson was convinced that he could break the mould and treat and cure these men. This program asks what is to be done with these men?
By Su Pennington. Ex BBC Panorama. This program examines the increasing numbers of women involved in violent crimes. Statistics show that within 20 years, the number of women who commit violent crimes may equal those committed by men. Su Pennington talks to women who have become involved with violent crimes and also to their victims. This program investigates why women have moved from their traditional roles of victims (and sometimes accessories to violent crime) to being active, sometimes brutal, participants.
By David Hardaker. This program investigates the privatisation by the Kennett Government of the dispatch system for Victoria's emergency services. Intergraph, a company with ambitious plans for Australia, won the contract, but as reporter David Hardaker reports due process was ignored. From the beginning, the Intergraph privatisation has been a shambles. It is the core of emergency services, but sometimes the system doesn't work.
By Murray McLaughlin. In this program, 4C's charts the last weeks of the life of Ester Wild and the dilemma faced by her doctor, Philip Nitschke, who had been treating her for cancer. Esther has chosen to die using the Northern Territory's "Right to Die" legislation, but her wish was denied when the Senate finally overturned the legislation. Esther's only option was palliative care and the program asks if this is really a form of disguised euthanasia.
By Liz Jackson. Four Corners visits the most notorious block of houses in Australia and witnesses how what was once a dream for Aboriginal self-determination turned into a ghetto. The first land grant to Aborigines has become known to the locals as The Block. Reporter Liz Jackson found an intractable problem on the city fringe, which is meeting the irrepressible force of the Olympics deadline ... and the people are under pressure to move.
By Callum MacRae. Ex BBC Dispatches: This report from Dispatches follows the last six months of Labor's election campaign in Britain which saw the rise of Tony Blair. He's campaigned to his Party's majority - the biggest seen this century. The program looks into Tony Blair's family history, interviews mentors who have helped along the way and follows him on the election trail.
By Margot O'Neill. This program examines the flood of people who are being diagnosed with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Vietnam War Veterans were the first to be diagnosed and now the condition is being recognised in people in a wider range of conditions and circumstances. Beverley Raphael targets the rapidly developing "trauma industry" and suggests it may even be harmful. The Victorian Government has legislated against victims of crime being compensated for pain and suffering.
By Chris Masters. Chris Masters investigates the tax issue of the '90s. Some of the world's biggest companies have come under audit over transfer pricing. The issue has pitched companies and countries into combat - into a tax war that is being fought in utter secrecy. Chris Masters investigates how it works and reveals a range of companies engaged in this war. Vast amounts are at stake and the general public are not told the outcome of the battles.
By Jane Corbin. Ex BBC Panorama. Jane Corbin reports on assassination squads, who for over a decade have operated in Europe. Over 46 people have been gunned down in that time and the state of Iran stands accused of their murder. This report uncovers the Iranian terror network and reveals that, despite the fact that evidence points to Iran's connection, Western Governments are unwilling to jeopardise lucrative trade with that country.
By Murray McLaughlin. This program is about Pauline Hanson, a former seller of fish 'n' chips and a woman whose politics have divided Australia. Four Corners tests the mood of discontent that Pauline Hanson has tapped into, enabling her in one year to move from the fringes of politics to centre stage. As a voice for those who have been marginalised and alienated, Pauline Hanson is now questioning the political and social basis which has underpinned Australia for the last 20 years.
By Sally Neighbour. This is the first of a two part special made with Britain's Channel 4 and reveals the secrets and lies behind the handover of Hong Kong. When the British and Chinese Governments agreed 13 years ago on this handover, Britain promised the people of Hong Kong a parting gift, democracy and the Chines promised that Hong Kong's way of life would be kept in tact for 50 years. The history of how these promises were made and broken are the subject of this program.
By Sally Neighbour. This program is the second in a 2-part special on Hong Kong and goes to air on the eve of the handover by the British to the Chinese. The lead up to the handover ceremony has been accompanied by bullish optimism and celebratory hoopla, but there is a deep suspicion that the corporate culture of mainland China will signal a turn of fortune for Hong Kong. On the eve of the handover, the voices of protest are being shouted down.
By Andrew Fowler. PNG's Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan came to power with the promise too end the civil war in Bougainville, but his decision to use mercenaries to fight the war created a constitutional crisis in PNG, sent shock waves throughout the region and caused Australia to face one of its biggest diplomatic and security problems when 40 mercenaries entered PNG and the Australian Government knew nothing about it. This program raises serious questions about the Sandline affair
By Chris Masters. Chris Masters reports that violence from South Africa's past is now threatening its future. Since the end of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as President, eight and a half thousand South Africans have fled, many to Australia. In this program, we make two journeys. The first to South Africa to see what freedom has delivered and the second to Australia, the most popular destination for exiles.
Ex BBC Inside Story. This report, an international co-production coordinated by the BBC's Inside Story, investigates the truth behind Switzerland's role during WWII and in particular the action of the Swiss banks. Before the war, many Jewish families deposited their money in Swiss banks. The banks, knowing that most Jewish customers had dies in the holocaust, stole the money. Now, survivors are wanting their money back and are suing the Swiss banks for $20 billion. There are also claims that Nazi death trains were allowed through Switzerland
By David Hardaker. This report on Cabramatta, known as the heroin capital of Australia, is the result of a three month investigation. The program offers an insight into the activities of the Vietnamese street gangs and how death and violence are now a way of life and the business of heroin rules the streets. Governments are struggling to cope with the heroin epidemic but it seems that the police are losing the war. Links with the 5T gang and the murder of John Newman three years ago are also investigated.
Ex BBC Inside Story: This program takes us inside the Heaven's Gate cult 39 members of which committed suicide earlier this year in the belief that they would pick up a space ship travelling in the wake of the Hale-Bopp comet and ride into "the level above human". The beliefs of the cult, their increasingly bizarre practices and their devotion to their charismatic leader are investigated. Farewell tapes of cult members are shown and there are interviews with their families and former cult members.
By Liz Jackson. This analysis of the Greenhouse Debate exposes the flaws in the argument Australia is taking to the world - that is that Australia is a special case. Criticism of Australia's position is now coming from senior levels within Australia and the Government's chief adviser on Greenhouse says that it's hard to defend the position Australia is taking. Foreign Minister Downer argues that we're asking for equitable treatment.
By Gavin Hewitt (Panorama), Murray McLaughlin (4C). Ex BBC Panorama with 4C's update. This program examines the increasing demand for a decreasing supply of human donor organs and the growing debate for using substitute animal organs. First compiled for the BBC with material gathered from Britain and the US, this report includes the Australian perspective on this so-called "Frankenscience".
By David Dimbleby. Ex BBC: The BBC's special tribute to the life of Diana, the Princess of Wales. David Dimbleby brings up questions raised by her death. He discusses her impact on the Monarchy and the Royal family and he talks to British people about her - how she touched so many people - and what made her a target for the media attention that contributed to her death.
By Andrew Fowler. This is part 1 of a two part series on superannuation and asks: 'How safe is our money?' Australians have nearly $300 billion invested in superannuation. As the Government prepares to tinker yet again with the super system, this program reveals how loopholes in the law are putting savings at risk. Many investors are now finding they were duped - and have lost their money.
By Margot O'Neill. In Bangkok last year, an Australian businessman named Tim Gatland disappeared without trace. This is the inside story of the former company director who had a hand in the collapse of the Thai economy - and of how the savings of suburban Australia were gambled in the world of global finance. Tim Gatland left behind him a trail linking him to a $4 billion international banking scandal. His story gives insight into the business world of the 1990s.
"An hour of slime." The Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, goes on radio and launches a blistering attack on Sally Neighbour as she prepares to report on the Premier's five years in office.
Ex Channel 4. This program tells the story of Markus Wolf, the former Head of the East German Intelligence Service and his methods of recruiting young women in the West to spy and betray their country. Over 80 young women were recruited by "Romeo" spies and they passed on secrets in exchange for romance. Three of these women, Gabriele Gast, Dagmar Shroler and Gerda Ostenreider are the subject of this program. All three were imprisoned, but Markus Wolf and other Romeo spies walked free.
By Chris Masters. This program is about the Australian movie business - a business which is now being studied by the ACCC. "The big players are castrating the film business", says an independent film distributor - it's the companies which own the cinemas who call the shots and who make the money. The sheer clout of Australia's cinema chains threatens to crush the independence of spirit and talent which has made our films great. This 4C follows the dollar back from the box-office to the film maker.
By David Hardaker. This report asks why Australia is still a safe haven for the war criminals of the world and reveals how an Australian citizen is implicated in crimes during the holocaust of WWII. Secret documents from British Military Intelligence reveals details of Konrad Kalajs -- and his commando unit -- and recommends prosecutions for mass murder. Kalajs' name is spelt out by a witness.
By Hans-Joachim Seppelt. Ex SFB with studio and satellite interviews: This report reveals details about the East German sports doping program. Some members of the former swimming team reveal the way the system worked - and the toll it took on their lives. However, many authorities and trainers continue to deny this program existed. In a satellite interview after the report Jorge Hoffman (swimmer) tells Chris Masters of his experience, and reporter Hans-Joachim Seppelt tells of reaction to the report and Australian coach, Don Talbot is also interviewed in studio.
By Liz Jackson. Tonight's report takes us behind the lines of the two major Republican and Monarchist camps as they battle for votes to be representatives at next year's Constitutional Convention. Liz Jackson reveals interesting players as the campaigns gear up as well as their strategies.
By Andrew Fowler. This report examines the El Niņo phenomenon, the climatic event of the century, and its affects on the weather patterns in Australia, South East Asia and in South America. On the eve of the Kyoto conference on global warming, we reveal the new science which links a warmer world to more El Niņos. The implications of this for peoples and Governments around the Pacific rim are vast.
By Margot O'Neill. This program presents the inside story of the struggle fought by Franca Arena as she pushed her crusade for victims of paedophilia to the edge. Her allegations of a conspiracy of silence protecting stories of paedophiles has seen her take on some of the most powerful figures in the country. Four Corners investigates the basis of her conviction of a high level cover-up.
By Martin Bashir. Summer Dispatches: Ex Panorama. This is the story of one newborn baby boy in Britain who has six parents claiming him as their own. It explores the confusing and conflicting dilemmas created by his birth. This little boy was conceived by a surrogate mother, the sperm provided by the male partner of a childless couple and before birth he was sold to a childless couple who wanted to adopt him. This story highlights the moral dilemmas of such a situation.
By Gavin Hewitt. Summer Dispatches: Ex BBC. This report examines the role of the British Royal Family - a role that has been under scrutiny - a scrutiny highlighted by the death of Princess Diana. For the first time since her death, Buckingham Palace speaks about reform of the monarchy ... the size, the cost and the image are all on the reform agenda.
Summer Dispatches: Ex Canadian National Cinema Centre. This report is a portrait of the terrorist who, for 20 years, was the world's most wanted man. He was known as Carlos the Jackal, but his real name is Illich Ramirez Sanchez. He has been linked to more than 80 politically motivated deaths across 6 nations since 1973. This week he finally goes on trial for the first time. Director: Patrick Rotman. Narrator: Vlasta Vrana. Presenter: Liz Jackson.
Summer Dispatches: Ex BBC. First in a two part series that traces the rise to power of Russian President, Boris Yeltsin. This report begins with Yeltsin displacing Gorbachev as the holder of power in Russia and describes the plotting and the power plays by those actually involved in the critical events that have shaped Russia's recent history. Narrator: Bridget Kendall. Producer/Director: Paul Mitchell. Presenter: Liz Jackson.
Summer Dispatches: Ex BBC. Part two of this two part series on Boris Yeltsin takes up the story in 1994, a year after Yeltsin had shelled his own parliament into submission and assumed the power of a modern Russian Tsar. Yeltsin's former bodyguard Alexander Korshakov, reveals many of Yeltsin's failings and foibles. Korshakov was sacked in 1996. Narrator: Bridget Kendall. Producer/Director: Paul Mitchell. Presenter: Liz Jackson.
