Badge of Betrayal

This special episode is being released across both Our Little Edey and Badge of Betrayal, as new information intersects with both stories the death of Eden Westbrook and wider questions surrounding Tasmania Police. A former Tasmania Police staff member shares what Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cook told her about his time in St Helens, while another witness comes forward with fresh allegations and a disturbing memory involving “Kate.” Plus, we bring you the latest developments from the parliamentary inquiry into Tasmania Police. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camille Bianchi is a journalist and podcaster who has worked on a number of acclaimed crime series, including The Nurse, Inside the Tribe and Rotten Apple. Her latest project is a little different. Introducing Back to the Wall. Serial killer Ivan Milat’s story is one of the most infamous in Australian history. So why are there still so many unanswered questions about his movements in the lead-up to his arrest in the 1990s? Could his crimes have been covered up for decades? What was his connection to Kings Cross? As those questions are examined by a New South Wales inquiry, Back to the Wall returns to the mad, bad old days of Sydney’s red-light district to explore where these claims came from. Through the eyes of the street kids who were there, we hear about the QCs, the kids who lined “the Wall”, and the friends they never saw again. History is told by the winners. But what if it wasn’t? Get the first two episodes of Back to the Wall ad-free and early with an Apple Podcasts subscription from Monday, October 12. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this rush-release episode we delve into two submissions that were made public today in the government inquiry into Taspol. The first is from the DPP, and the second is from Taspol. It poses some interesting questions. We also get more information from inside Taspol for 4 current serving officers, which again pose more questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months after first speaking to us anonymously, serving senior police officer “Tom” returns with new allegations about what happens inside Tasmania Police when misconduct involves senior ranks. He explains what he calls “off-book investigations” — matters allegedly handled outside normal reporting and oversight processes — and why he believes they can be used to avoid scrutiny. Tom also reveals the extraordinary position he now finds himself in: having spoken out to help expose these issues, he fears that his involvement in this podcast could complicate his ability to come forward to the parliamentary inquiry SUPPORT OUR INVESTIGATION Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon. Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses allegations of sexual misconduct, workplace power imbalance and fear of reporting within policing. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court and have not been independently established. Identifying details have been deliberately withheld. A detailed anonymous email lands with Badge of Betrayal, containing serious allegations involving a serving female police officer and a more senior colleague. But this episode is about something bigger than one allegation. What happens when a police officer believes the person they may need to report has more power inside the organisation than they do? Who can they safely turn to? And what happens when serious information is known inside an organisation, but never becomes a formal complaint? We also return to our anonymous serving officer “Tom”, who tells us about something he describes as an “off-book investigation” — raising new questions about how allegations can be handled inside Tasmania Police and what records should exist when serious concerns are raised. As the Parliamentary Inquiry into Tasmania Police responses to allegations of officer misconduct continues, we ask a fundamental question: can a junior police officer report someone at the top and genuinely believe there will be no repercussions? SUPPORT OUR INVESTIGATION Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon. Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon SUPPORT If anything raised in this episode affects you or someone you know, help is available. State-Wide Sexual Assault Support Line — 1800 697 877 24/7 support in Tasmania through Sexual Assault Support Service and Laurel House. 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 Text 0458 737 732 for 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support. 1800RESPECT Lifeline — 13 11 14 Text 0477 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support. Lifeline Australia If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.