Motive & Method

For years, Christopher Flannery AKA 'Mr Rent-a-Kill' was the man Australian mobsters hired to make people disappear - until he became a target and vanished into thin air himself.
In 1985, after becoming a volatile liability who simply knew too much about corrupt police and syndicate bosses, the feared assassin vanished without a trace.
In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with former detective and author Duncan McNab to unravel Flannery's violent trajectory from a troubled youth in Melbourne to the high-stakes underworld of Sydney. Together, they examine the infamous hit on police officer Mick Drury, his shady links to notorious corrupt cop Roger Rogerson and the lingering theories behind Australia's most enduring underworld disappearance.
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From unvetted science to coerced confessions, catastrophic failures in Australia's justice system have stolen decades from innocent people for crimes they didn't commit.
In this episode Xanthe and Tim sit down with Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist Neil Mercer to discuss his new book, Falsely Convicted. Mercer details how the Australian criminal justice system has catastrophically failed innocent people through police misconduct, prosecutorial oversights and unvetted expert testimony.
Their conversation highlights heartbreaking real-world cases, including a former teacher jailed on biologically impossible abuse claims and a man who served 20 years for murder based on the testimony of an unqualified pathologist. They also examine the tragic case of Gene Gibson - a cognitively impaired Indigenous man coerced into a confession without an interpreter - underscoring the immense barriers vulnerable suspects face.
Neil Mercer gives a sobering insight into the devastating personal toll of wrongful convictions and the extraordinary effort required to overturn them.
For more information on ‘Falsely Convicted’ visit allenandunwin.com
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.
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The Port Arthur massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history - a tragedy that shattered lives and transformed the country’s gun laws.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon in April 1996, 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire at the tourist site and continued on an hours-long deadly rampage. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how the events of that tragic day played out and the lasting legacy and impact of the massacre.
They also delve into the life of the shooter, exploring his troubled upbringing, his bizarre relationship with a wealthy heiress, and the complex psychological questions that continue to surround one of Australia’s most infamous killers.
For more information on ‘The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’ mentioned in this episode - click here.
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.
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On a remote highway Peter Falconio vanished forever - His murder became every outback travellers worst nightmare.
25 years after one of Australia’s most infamous murders, the case is back in the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen police footage and investigation photos. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim retrace the events of that terrifying night and discuss the forensic evidence that secured Bradley John Murdoch’s conviction without a body. Plus, the psychology behind Joanne Lees’ remarkable survival and discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to Peter Falconio’s remains.
Over the decades there has been widespread speculation, and many theories, surrounding what happened to Peter Falconio’s body. Did the truth die with the only man who has the answer?
If you have information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously across Australia by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online via Crime Stoppers Australia.
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.
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At the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers.
They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia’s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources.
Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers.
You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings HERE
If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

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