Forum calls for Hilton inquiry

By Richard Davis

SYDNEY -- On February 13, 15 years after the Hilton bombing, a public forum organised by the Justice Campaign for Hilton Bomb Victims renewed calls for a joint NSW-federal government inquiry into the incident and the role of security forces in the bombing.

Garbage collectors William Favell and Alex Carter died instantly in the blast when they emptied a bin containing the bomb outside the hotel. Policeman Paul Burnistriw died nine days later from head injuries. Several other people, including four uniformed policemen, were seriously injured in the explosion.

The forum highlighted many of the unresolved questions and much of the damning evidence against police forces surrounding the bombing. Yet in the face of compelling evidence, and after attempts by the NSW government to secure a joint inquiry, the federal government is unwilling to cooperate in a joint royal commission.

Terry Griffiths, an ex-police officer and victim of the blast, maintains that the many important questions surrounding the bombing will remain unanswered until there is a full inquiry. Griffiths believes that the federal government knows the truth but is remaining silent to protect certain people implicated in the bombing.

Griffiths argued that the bomb was placed by ASIO with the intention of creating hysteria about terrorism in Australia that would strengthen and justify ASIO's role. At the time of the bombing there was a growing crisis of confidence in ASIO and also the NSW Special Branch. As a result of the bombing and the hysteria it engendered, ASIO's budget increased from $9 million to $12 million during 1978.

Another speaker, federal independent MP Ted Mack, argued that under a truly democratic system of government, the national interest of truth and accountability is far superior to the supposed national interest of secret and unaccountable security forces.

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