Public Hearing 12: 28 and 29 June 2023

On 28 and 29 June 2023, Senior Counsel Assisting will present, in public proceedings, the documentary tender cases of John Russell, Ross Warren and Gilles Mattaini.

All three men died or disappeared near Bondi’s Marks Park in the 1980s.

Each of these deaths was previously investigated by the NSW Police Force and then reviewed as part of Strike Force Parrabell. The deaths were also investigated as part of Operation Taradale, which resulted in a coronial inquest in 2005.

Over two days, Senior Counsel Assisting will tender a comprehensive set of the evidentiary material relevant to each case, and will make detailed submissions which will include recommendations as to the findings which the Commissioner should make as to the manner and cause of death in each case.

The material to be tendered will include:

  • documents relating to the circumstances of the death;
  • documents relating to previous investigations of that death, whether by the NSW Police Force or the Coroner;
  • documents relating to the nature and extent of the investigative and other steps which have been taken by this Inquiry in relation to that death, and the results and conclusions flowing from the completion of those steps;
  • any statement which a family member may choose to make to the Inquiry.

These public proceedings will take place at 10am on Wednesday 28 June 2023, at the Chief Secretary’s Building, Level 2, 121 Macquarie Street, Sydney. The proceedings are open to the public and will be livestreamed via a link (external link)  on the Inquiry’s homepage.

The Honourable Justice John Sackar will preside at the hearing. Counsel Assisting the Inquiry will be Peter Gray SC and Christine Melis

Written Submissions and Statements

Warning: Please be advised that these written submissions may contain graphic content. If you are experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Transcripts

Exhibits

Exhibit-44

Exhibit-45

Exhibit-46

Exhibit-47

Exhibit-48

Exhibit-49

Exhibit-50