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Massacre at Myall Creek

The trial that defined a nation

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Massacre at Myall Creek

By: Mark Tedeschi
Narrated by: Stephen Briggs
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About this listen

 One of the most shocking murder trials in Australia's legal history, and the tribulations of the prosecutor who conducted it.

In 1838, eleven convicts and former convicts were put on trial for the brutal murder of 28 Aboriginal men, women and children at Myall Creek in northern New South Wales. The trial created an enormous amount of controversy because it was almost unknown for Europeans to be charged with the murder of Aborigines. It would become the most serious trial of mass murder in Australia’s history.

The trial’s prosecutor was the Attorney General of New South Wales, John Hubert Plunkett. It proved to be Plunkett’s greatest test, as it pitted his forensic brilliance and his belief in equality before the law against the combined forces of the free settlers, the squatters, the military, the emancipists, the newspapers, and even the convict population.

From the bestselling author of Kidnapped and Eugenia, Murder at Myall Creek follows the journey of the man who arguably achieved more for modern-day civil rights in Australia than anyone else before or since.

Praise for Massacre at Myall Creek

'A deeply moving account.' Peter FitzSimons

'Fascinating reading.' Weekend Australian

'A considered and elegant work.' Books+Publishing Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Crime Murder Oceania True Crime Law Scary

Critic Reviews

‘The Myall Creek massacre is a stain on our nation’s soul, with the only positive note being that the law brought the evil perpetrators to justice in a key trial that was a foundation stone for the integrity of our legal system. This wonderful book brings that trial, and the marvellous prosecutor, John Hubert Plunkett, back to life.’ (Peter FitzSimons)
‘A much needed and appreciated historical insight into the profession of a man who gained respect through the colonial era of Australia and his fight for justice through the law for my people, the Kamilaroi.’ (Aunty Noeline Briggs-Smith OAM, Aboriginal researcher)
All stars
Most relevant
Thanks Mark for bringing this story to life, and describing the legal detail as usual. Its true that children at school should be taught about this crime. Equally they and us all need repeated reminding that everyone is equal in the Law of Australia.
Posthumas respect, honour and thanks to John Hubert Plunkett. “Well done good and faithful servant”.
What he lost here in respect, will have been more than rewarded in the afterlife.

Necessary to know

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A wonderfully researched telling of the shameful massacre and the ensuing trials, that ends up being more of a Plunkett biography really, which isn't a bad thing. Plunkett is almost unknown, yet had a huge influence on Australia's early judicial system. A remarkable Australian who should be remembered. This book does that very well.

A John Plunkett biography

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Must read (listen) for all Australians. Great insight and in good depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Important history

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Very fair and balanced, would’ve preferred more on aboriginal massacres and other conflicts, still recommend this book highly.

Extremely detailed and thorough

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.