True Blue Conversations - Margaret Cunneen SC - “The Boxing Butterfly A Life Of Conviction”
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Release Date: 11/12/2024
True Blue Conversations - Wayne Weeks - Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment RSM Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Who Dares Wins On today's podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment operator, retired, Regimental Sergeant Major RSM ( RET) Wayne Weeks. Wayne joined the military in 1988, after completing year 12, and served a total of 33 years. Wayne started out his career in the Corps of Signals for the first couple of years, and during his time at Signals, Wayne attempted and passed selection in 1992, after which he completed a series of specialist courses that were required to become a qualified operator. Wayne spent a couple of years in the UK (Special Boat...
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True Blue Conversations - Northern Territory TRG Police Veteran Ben Hosking
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On todays podcast, I speak with Ben Hosking. Ben worked for 11 years with the Northern Territory Police Force. Ben started his career as a general duties officer before specialising as a Tactical Police Officer in the TRG. In 2015, Ben completed the highest level national qualification in the Australian Police curriculum for Dignitary Protection, to enable him to plan operations supporting internationally recognised dignitaries, as well as train specialist law enforcement officers in dignitary protection. Throughout his career, he has earned several accolades, including the prestigious...
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True Blue Conversations - Troy Simmonds 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR Regiment Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On todays podcast, I speak with 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR regiment veteran Troy Simmonds. Troy had a decorated career that included deployments to Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he was also a member of the domestic counterterrorism team TAG West. As a kid, Troy always wanted to join the SAS after being given a book when he was little. Troy joined the army in 1991. Troys dream became a reality when he was selected to join the Perth-based SAS Regiment in 1996. Troy joined the SASR during one of the most operationally active periods of its history. As well, he was a...
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True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 2
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterrorism team. Andy joined the army at the age of 17. Andy marched into 4RAR in 2000, he went on selection at 17.5, making him one of the youngest to successfully pass the Commando selection and reinforcement cycle. During this conversation, we discuss the impact of being the team commander during the tragic live fire training incident of Mason Edwards that still...
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True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 1
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterrorism team. Andy joined the army at the age of 17. Andy marched into 4RAR in 2000, he went on selection at 17.5, making him one of the youngest to successfully pass the Commando selection and reinforcement cycle. During this conversation, we discuss the impact of being the team commander during the tragic live fire training incident of Mason Edwards that still...
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True Blue Conversations - Linton “Harry” Harris - 1RAR / 2 Cav Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On Todays podcast, I speak with an Australian Army 1 RAR / 2 Cav veteran. This is a story of the tenacity of Linton "HARRY" Harris, joining the army not once but twice, in his quest for purpose. Harry’s 1st term of service included deployment to Somalia, Africa, as a 19-year-old. Re-enlisting after a 7-year break, Harry's 2nd term of service included 2 tours to Iraq, resulting in the awarding of the Commendation for Distinguished Service. After service, seeking the quest for a purpose that is often an issue for Veterans, Harry rose to the position of VP of the Tasmanian RSL, only to be...
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True Blue Conversations - - Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty...
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True Blue Conversations - Shane Cav 3RAR and Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On today's podcast, I speak with Shane Cav 3RAR and 2nd Commando Regiment veteran. Shane Cav is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force serving 17 years, enlisting into the infantry in 2006. Post training, he was posted as a paratrooper to the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. During his time at 3RAR, Shane deployed to Timor Leste and Afghanistan. In 2011 Shane completed selection and training in the 2nd Commando Regiment to become a qualified special forces operator. Shane deployed on multiple operations as an infantryman and special forces operator, including Timor Lest,...
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True Blue Conversations - Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Jon's journey in health and fitness started when he was young. He was very active in Athletics and was selected to compete in the World U18 titles in Javelin. Shortly after, he received an injury, which finished his athletics career. Jon played rugby league for a few years and enlisted in the Australian Military at age 20 into the Special Forces direct entry program as a Commando. Jon was a fully qualified Commando at age 22 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, 2010, 2011,...
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True Blue Conversations - BEYOND THE DROP ZONE: A PARATROOPER'S STORY
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with former UK 3 Para and current UK Firefighter Andy Williams. Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andy enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous...
info_outlineOn this weeks podcast, I spoke with Australian barrister & Public Prosecutor now
defence lawyer Margaret Cunneen SC.
For over four decades, Margaret Cunneen helped put away some of Australia's worst,
as a crown prosecutor and, as her profile grew, so did the media attention, Margaret
recalls the headline cases that helped establish her reputation, the controversies she
became embroiled in.
In 2022 Margaret published her autobiography “ The Boxing Butterfly” A Life Of
Conviction is a career chronicle of Margaret Cunneen SC—the boxing butterfly who
turned the tables on ICAC, amidst prosecuting murderers, pedophiles and
rapists—as she launches into her new chapter as a defence barrister. In her rearview
mirror, Cunneen sees her trial successes—her convictions—interspersed with the
flak from the ground fire of some colleagues who resented her success and were
determined to stop her climb to greater heights. She regrets nothing and is satisfied
with what she does. As Madam Crown, she empathised with the victims and their
families. Now, as defence counsel, she empathises with the accused she defends.
And what stories she tells! Some are gruesome and confronting, such as prosecuting
the irreverent Skafs for gang rape, Robert ‘Dolly’ Dunn for pedophilia, the Butcher of
Bega for unspeakable medical malpractice and the Charbaji Brothers for an ice-
fuelled torture session that ended in murder. Others—especially relating to her
defence clients, are filled with humanity. Margaret is a wife Mother and Grandmother
loves her NRL and is a passionate Manly fan, she is deeply faithful we spoke about
the many high-profile cases she has been involved with the toll of being in the public
sector, and how Margaret dealt with some of the terrible cases she has worked on
over the 45 years. This was a ripping chat.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Margaret Cunneen SC
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway