Full Story Gina: Mythmaking – episode 6
Dec 27, 2025
Bernard Lagan, a seasoned journalist from The Times, and Peter Garrett, iconic musician and ex-politician, dive deep into the tragic legacy of Wittenoom. Lagan questions the veracity of Lang Hancock’s 'Discovery flight' narrative with compelling historical insights. He sheds light on the early asbestos operations that are often brushed aside. Garrett passionately discusses Midnight Oil's song 'Blue Sky Mine' and its connection to the asbestos crisis, emphasizing the cultural impact of the tragedy on communities and the need for accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wittenoom’s Human Toll
- Wittenoom's asbestos mining caused a long-term public health catastrophe, with thousands estimated to have died.
- Mesothelioma from airborne fibres proved incurable and devastating for workers and residents.
Known Risks Ignored For Decades
- Early warnings about asbestos dangers existed by the 1940s but operations continued for decades despite criticism.
- CSR closed in 1966 after health department censure, but Hancock later repurchased leases and contemplated reopening.
Slow Path To Legal Reckoning
- Legal and public accountability evolved slowly, with CSR later found to have shown disregard for worker safety and settling many claims.
- Hancock always denied responsibility and contestation around culpability persisted into modern claims.
