60 Minutes Australia
Season 2024
Australian version of the long-running news-magazine show.
Where to Watch 60 Minutes Australia • Season 2024
41 Episodes
- Elon Musk's Crash CourseE9
Elon Musk's Crash CourseHe's not only one of the world's wealthiest men, Elon Musk is also one of the smartest. There's no doubt he's an impressive high-tech visionary. As the boss of electric car maker Tesla, Musk's long-held dream has been to produce fully autonomous vehicles. For the last decade he has repeatedly declared Tesla's vaunted "autopilot" feature has been on the verge of solving the complex challenges of self-driving technology. But in a special edition of 60 Minutes, Musk is accused of exaggerating the capability of Tesla's achievements and lulling drivers into a false sense of security. This investigation, produced by The New York Times, reveals a serious gap between expectation and reality that's already led to several fatal crashes. - Trial and Terror, Bombs Away, Womb to MoveE10
Trial and Terror, Bombs Away, Womb to MoveThey are statistics that could not be more damning: One in five women in Australia over the age of 15 has experienced sexual violence. Yet only 13 per cent of sexual assaults are ever reported. But then the numbers get even worse. Few of the cases that are reported make it to court, and even fewer end in a conviction or a substantial punishment. It's no surprise many survivors of these attacks accuse the justice system of causing more harm than good. They say that when giving evidence, they're often made to feel blamed. But as Amelia Adams reports, some women have now had enough and are courageously fighting to force change. - Bondi Massacre, Couldn't Care Less, Saving ParadiseE11
Bondi Massacre, Couldn't Care Less, Saving ParadiseAn interview with the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who says the Bondi Junction stabbing attack has "shocked the nation." "So many families would've been out and about yesterday," Albanese told 60 Minutes. "It's a very large shopping centre that I'm very familiar with, and the thought that people have lost their lives and many others injured, and of course thousands traumatised by the events of yesterday directly, comes as a great shock in a peace-loving nation like Australia." - The Menace of the Taipans, Wonky WonkaE12
The Menace of the Taipans, Wonky WonkaThey look mightily impressive. They're relatively young. And they've cost more than three-and-a-half billion dollars to buy and operate. According to the top brass at the Defence Department though, Australia's 46 MRH-90 Taipan helicopters are useless junk. Others say that they're dangerous, as the country tragically saw last July when one crashed near Hamilton Island killing four Australian airmen from the 6th Aviation Regiment. It seems no surprise then that the helicopters have been taken out of service, and as the story goes, are about to be dumped in a great big hole at a secret Defence location. But what if it turns out that these machines aren't as bad as we're being told? In a special report for 60 Minutes, Andrew Probyn, the National Affairs Editor for 9News, investigates the very real possibility that there's another reason for the terrible accident, and it's one that has nothing to do with the reliability, or otherwise, of the MRH-90. - Patriot Game, Elon Musk's Crash Course, Giant LeapE15
Patriot Game, Elon Musk's Crash Course, Giant LeapWho is the real Daniel Edmund Duggan? It's a simple question, but the answer is highly contested and has enormous consequences. For his family and a large group of supporters, he's a hero. A former U.S. Marine fighter pilot turned proud Australian citizen; a loving husband and devoted dad. For others though, namely the United States government, he's a traitor, accused of supplying China with top-secret military information. For the past 19 months, Duggan has been sitting in Australian prisons fighting attempts to send him back to the United States. As Dimity Clancey reports, a decision about his extradition is expected within weeks, but if the Americans get a hold of him and can prove the allegations, he faces up to 65 more years locked up. It's a thought his wife Saffrine and six children are struggling to comprehend. - Big Brother, Gangster's Paradise, Troubles at HomeE16
Big Brother, Gangster's Paradise, Troubles at HomeFor 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. - Secrets of a Murderer, Forbidden Force, Kidnapped in Japan, Board GamesE22
Secrets of a Murderer, Forbidden Force, Kidnapped in Japan, Board GamesRussell 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. - Building BadE24
Building BadAs 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. - Building Bad, Scam HQE28
Building Bad, Scam HQBuilding Bad Five weeks ago, 60 Minutes exposed widespread corruption, including infiltration by underworld figures and bikies, at Australia's most militant trade union, the CFMEU. The fallout from Nick McKenzie's story was immediate. Sweeping reforms were promised, and on Friday the Construction and General division of the union was put into administration. The positions of hundreds of officials were also terminated. While it's a vital development, 60 Minutes' joint investigation with The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Financial Review hasn't stopped. McKenzie and his team have now discovered that the rot has spread even further than first suspected. Reporter: Nick McKenzie Producer: Amelia Ballinger Scam HQ It's positive news, kind of. In the last year, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ASIC, has identified and shut down more than 7,300 phishing and investment scam websites. While it has stopped victims here losing millions, the scammers are still winning - One Elle of a Life, Building BadE29
One Elle of a Life, Building BadONE ELLE OF A LIFE The gods of good looks well and truly singled out Elle Macpherson. And she well and truly made use of the generous attention she received. In the 1980s and 90s, "The Body", as she was known, was arguably the most photographed Australian in the world. Elle lived in a blinding dazzle of flashes, as she jet-setted between glamourous locations. To outsiders, her supermodel career couldn't have been more exciting. But looks can deceive. On 60 MINUTES, a very different view of Elle Macpherson as she tells Nine's Tracy Grimshaw of the hardships she endured, including relationship breakdowns, battles with addiction, and her controversial decision to reject conventional treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Reporter: Tracy Grimshaw Producer: Lisa Brown BUILDING BAD Does Mark Irving KC have the toughest job in Australia? In his first television interview since being appointed administrator of the CFMEU, the senior barrister tells Nick McKenzie how he plans to c - The Real Kamala, The Blast WaveE30
The Real Kamala, The Blast WaveThe Real Kamala No one would ever describe last Wednesday's Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as edifying. It was big on bluster, but short on substance; an example of how hurling insults to malign opponents now seems to be the preferred way to influence voters. It's a skill Donald Trump has certainly turned into an art form, but as the world witnessed, the Vice-President is also no mug at it. For many observers though, Kamala Harris still has a substantial problem to overcome if she's to be elected President. She needs to do more to convince Americans who she really is. On 60 Minutes, Amelia Adams travels across the United States meeting the people who know the real Kamala, including old school friends, work colleagues and even a former boyfriend. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producer: Nichola Younger The Blast Wave We ask a lot of our military personnel. If needed, we expect them to make the ultimate sacrifice. In return they deserve to be provided with as much pr - Terror at 37,000 FeetE31
Terror at 37,000 FeetBoeing 777s are one of the safest types of aircraft flown. They're also one of the largest. Fully loaded with fuel, freight and upwards of 400 passengers, they can weigh more than 350 tonnes. But in difficult weather, like all planes, B777s can be violently tossed around in the sky. And when that happens those on board are in for a terrifying ride. In May, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 encountered such extreme turbulence that dozens of passengers were severely injured and one man died. In a major investigation, 60 MINUTES reveals startling evidence that this was a tragedy that could and should have been avoided. Adam Hegarty's report also includes an exclusive interview with Kerry Jordan, the Adelaide woman who is now a tetraplegic as a result of the injuries she suffered onboard SQ321. Kerry and her partner Keith Davis recall the horror of the flight and tell of their disappointment at Singapore Airlines' lack of adequate support in the aftermath, which has changed their lives forev - Aiming For Trouble, Married To A MonsterE32
Aiming For Trouble, Married To A MonsterAiming For Trouble Donald Trump is used to being, figuratively, in the sights of his detractors. It's a prerequisite for being one of the world's most divisive politicians. What he's not used to though is when it happens for real. Unbelievably, in the last two and a half months, two people have taken aim at Donald Trump with weapons. In July, the former – and want-to-be-next – President was grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, and then two weeks ago he was targeted again while playing golf in Florida. Fortunately, both assassination attempts failed. But as Amelia Adams reports, what the attacks have done is not only highlight security failures in the protection of America's leaders, they've also sent this year's presidential campaign into meltdown. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producer: Nichola Younger Married To A Monster The crimes of Doctor Adam Britton can only be described as grotesque. To the world, Britton portrayed himself as a wildlife warrior. He was a respecte - So EvilE33
So EvilWhat possesses a human being to be so evil? It's a question that must be asked about Justin Stein. In one of the worst crimes in Australian history, at the beginning of 2022 he murdered nine-year-old Charlise Mutten. She had innocently put her trust in Stein, 31, hoping he could be a much-longed-for father figure in her life. In return, Stein shot the little girl in the face. He then thought he'd be able to get away with his despicable act by outsmarting the Homicide officers working to solve the case. He failed. On 60 MINUTES, Dimity Clancey is given unprecedented access to the extraordinary police investigation that caught this killer. She speaks with the lead detectives tasked with tracking Stein's movements through thousands of hours of CCTV footage, phone recordings and texts, and reveals how investigators were able to expose Stein's lies in exhaustive police interviews. Clancey's report also includes an exclusive interview with Kallista Mutten, Charlise's distraught mother and fo - Being Boris, Kicking GoalsE34
Being Boris, Kicking GoalsBeing Boris As unlikely as it sounds, there was a time during Boris Johnson's term as British Prime Minister when he was hailed an action hero because he achieved the seemingly impossible. He made Brexit a reality, then, when COVID struck, saved thousands of lives by overseeing the fastest rollout of vaccines anywhere in the world. But as leader, Johnson also made so many mistakes and enemies that he was ultimately dismissed as a bumbling buffoon and forced from office. Now he's back, setting the record straight in his provocatively titled memoir, Unleashed. In an at-times bizarre, but always entertaining 60 Minutes interview with Tara Brown, Johnson reveals long-held secrets, including his sneaky role in AUKUS, why he seriously considered invading the Netherlands, and his final moments with the Queen. Reporter: Tara Brown Producer: Lisa Brown Kicking Goals Representing the nation is an honour many Australians dream of but few achieve. For those lucky enough to experience it, there's - Beautiful Lilie, Sonny BoyE35
Beautiful Lilie, Sonny BoyBeautiful Lilie At 21, Lilie James was busy doing all the things people do at that young age. Studying, working, playing, she was on the threshold of a promising life. But, tragically, last October this beautiful and vivacious woman was savagely beaten to death in the gymnasium of the school where she had a part-time job. The level of violence was shocking – so too was the identity of the man who killed her. Paul Thijssen, 24, Lilie's ex-boyfriend and co-worker at the school, was by all accounts a model citizen. That he could commit such a heinous crime was inconceivable to most who knew him. On 60 MINUTES, Tara Brown speaks exclusively to Lilie James' heartbroken parents, and delves into Thijssen's well-hidden past to unmask the truth about this violent and cruel killer. Reporter: Tara Brown Producers: Hannah Bowers, Sheree Gibson Sonny Boy It was an offer Karl Stefanovic couldn't refuse: An interview with the godfather of modern cinema, Al Pacino. The movie megastar might now be 84 - The Invisible Deaths, The KidE36
The Invisible Deaths, The KidThe Invisible Deaths It's a national disgrace. This year in Australia, every six days on average, a woman has been killed in a domestic violence incident. As shameful as that number is, however, it's likely to be only a fraction of the true death toll. The reality is there are potentially hundreds more women losing their lives, but their deaths are not being investigated and so not counted. On 60 MINUTES, Dimity Clancey reports the heart-breaking stories of the invisible victims. Reporter: Dimity Clancey Producer: Anne Worthington The Kid If cramming a lot of life into a very short time was a competition, smart people would put money on The Kid Laroi to win easily. At 21, he's already an over-achiever. There's the worldwide adulation he's received as a singer and rapper, as well as the lavish trappings that such success brings. But as Adam Hegarty discovered in a very revealing interview, this young Australian's greatest accomplishment is something else entirely. For The Kid Laroi, it - The Art of the Victory, Vote 1 for 2, Facing the WorldE37
The Art of the Victory, Vote 1 for 2, Facing the WorldThe Art of the Victory What a campaign. What an election. What a result. To the victor, Donald Trump, go the spoils. From early next year he will return to the White House for another four years as the most powerful man on earth. And for someone with such an unpredictable and egotistical nature, that old saying "We live in interesting times" couldn't be more apt. On 60 MINUTES, Amelia Adams reports from Washington DC on the impact of Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office on Australia and the rest of the world. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producers: Nichola Younger, Sammi Taylor Vote 1 for 2 What Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock want to do is either brilliant or bonkers. They reckon they can make Australian politics better by offering themselves up in a two-for-one deal. That's right, they want to job-share the position of senator. But as Adam Hegarty reports, their proposal raises many questions. The most obvious is what happens when, if elected, these wannabe part-timers disagree on an is - Charlotte's Wish, Sucked InE38
Charlotte's Wish, Sucked InCHARLOTTE'S WISH If the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has his way, from the end of next year children under 16 will be banned from social media. That's right, for Australian kids, soon there will be no more access to Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and all those other addictive apps. Taking on the world's tech giants is a bold move by the government, and there are valid questions about how such a ban might be enforced. As Adam Hegarty reports, if anyone needs a compelling reason for urgent action, they need only know the confronting and tragic story of 12-year-old Charlotte O'Brien. She was a victim of cruel bullying, much of it delivered online, and it was her wish that Australians understand the truth: Social media can kill. Reporter: Adam Hegarty Producer: Anne Worthington SUCKED IN It's hardly surprising, but once again Australians have been sucked in by the duplicity of "Big Tobacco" and its apologists. When that industry could no longer lie about the deadly effects of cigarettes, - Villains or Victims?, Get ShortyE39
Villains or Victims?, Get ShortyVillains or Victims? Back when it happened, greed was the simple explanation that went with the headlines. Lyle and Erik Menendez had shot dead their wealthy parents in the family's Beverly Hills mansion to get their hands on a $14 million inheritance. Of course, the brothers denied that was the case. In court they said they killed because their evil father had been sexually abusing them. But they weren't believed. Found guilty, the pair were sentenced to life behind bars, without parole. Now though, 35 years later, Tara Brown reports there's not only new evidence but enormous support from armchair detectives around the world who are convinced the Menendez brothers really are victims, not villains. So should they be freed? Reporter: Tara Brown Producers: Serge Negus, Sheree Gibson Get Shorty Rotting in prison for decades now, Stephen "Shorty" Jamieson's file is marked "Never to be released". He is one of Australia's most reviled criminals, because in 1988 Jamieson was the ringleader o - The Lindt SiegeE40
The Lindt SiegeIt started as a beautiful summer morning, warm and sunny, but ended as one of the darkest days in Australia's history. December 15, 2014, is indelibly seared into the nation's psyche as the moment when terrorism came to the heart of Sydney. Ten years on, this Sunday, Peter Overton presents a powerful special edition of 60 MINUTES, remembering the 17 hours of terror at the Lindt Café siege. At 8.33am on that horrific day, lone-wolf gunman Man Haron Monis, claiming allegiance to Islamic State, walked into the popular café and shortly thereafter took 18 innocent people hostage. Threatening not only to shoot his captives, but also to detonate bombs he'd planted around the city, Monis wreaked havoc until 2.13am the following morning. When the ordeal was over, not only was the terrorist dead – tragically, so were two hostages, Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson. Through the recollections of survivors inside the café, as well as the perspectives of police and political leaders charged with