50th anniversary of the ‘Balibo Five’ sparks renewed calls to protect journalists in conflict zones

The Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance joins with media colleagues in Australia and Timor-Leste to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Balibo Five’. 

Greg Shackleton, Gary Cunningham, Tony Stewart, Malcolm Rennie, and Brian Peters were killed by Indonesian forces in the village of Balibo on October 16, 1975, after witnessing an incursion. 

The New South Wales Coroner subsequently found that the journalists, who had been working for the Seven and Nine networks, had been deliberately shot or stabbed — not killed in crossfire — concluding that the acts were intended to silence them.  

Their killers have never been brought to justice. 

For half a century, the tragedy has stood as a chilling reminder of the extreme risks journalists face in exposing conflict, oppression, and incursions of state power. 

“MEAA members honour the memory of the Balibo Five and we stand in solidarity with all journalists risking their lives to bring the world news that matters,” said MEAA Media Federal President Michael Slezak. 

“Sadly, the tragedy of Balibo is not a relic of history. In Gaza alone, more than 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed — some deliberately targeted by the Israeli military.  

“The courage and sacrifices of our colleagues compel us to redouble our commitment to journalist safety, accountability, and press freedom everywhere.” 

MEAA welcomed the announcement of an official commemoration ceremony in Balibo on October 16, which also coincides with Timor-Leste’s National Press Freedom Day. 

President Ramos-Horta has confirmed the award of national decorations, posthumously, to nine journalists — including the Australians — killed during the struggle for national independence. 

Media Contact: Rebecca Urban 0411 790 304