Shannon Smith

Writer, Communications Strategist, Former Diplomat & Government Advisor. Absorbing live music, art, design, film, travel, fatherhood... and life!

[Catherine Zengerer @Catherine_Zen]

When Bob Hawke was ACTU Secretary in 1976, he flew to Indonesia to push for an inquiry into the deaths of the Balibo Five. He succeeded where the Fraser govt failed, but the story has only just been revealed: https://t.co/I3G03nzI6I

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Talking on Late Night Live about the Australian inquiry into 1975 deaths of 5 Australian newsmen at Balibo. Union boss Bob Hawke’s expletive-laden discussion with Indonesians, and secret discussions with Soeharto’s Australian confidant Clive Williams.

https://t.co/4qZqACFpIN

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

@PhillipAdams_1 We didn’t get a chance to discuss this on LNL. Bob Hawke’s expletive-laden discussion with the Indonesians, and secret discussions with Soeharto’s Australian confidant Clive Williams, which led to Balibo enquiry in 1976.

https://t.co/UNvyPN797s

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Revealed, the true story of the Australian inquiry into the deaths of the Australian newsmen at Balibo. Union boss Bob Hawke’s expletive-laden discussion with the Indonesians, and secret discussions with Soeharto’s Australian confidant Clive Williams.
https://t.co/O9uMIz2dBU

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Revealed, the true story of the Australian inquiry into the deaths of the Australian newsmen at Balibo. Union boss Bob Hawke’s expletive-laden discussion with the Indonesians, and secret discussions with Soeharto’s Australian confidant Clive Williams.
https://t.co/O9uMIz2dBU

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

@AdrianVickers5 @dmkmtoday @AdrianVickers5 There are some gems in the footnotes, which thankfully I could publish in full. The Ben Anderson interview with Bungkus is fascinating.

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

@dmkmtoday Thanks @dmkmtoday hope you enjoy reading the 10 chapters just as much 😉

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Suharto’s little known Australian mate...

https://t.co/2JdD0xzWGJ

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

In case anyone missed it, here is my interview with the remarkable @PhillipAdams_1 about Clive Williams, the enigmatic Australian confidant to Indonesian President Soeharto.

https://t.co/2A5e7vF5PE

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Very pleased to speak about Clive Williams, President Soeharto's close Australian friend on Late Night Live.
https://t.co/2A5e7vFDFc

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Just released - biography of Clive Williams. Australian confidant to Indonesian President Soeharto for 3 decades. https://t.co/wEqnFtoKxw

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Just released: Biography of Clive Williams, Australian confidant to President Soeharto of Indonesia. Now available in Indonesia from https://t.co/cn5aruf1nx

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

An Australian was Indonesian President Suharto’s closest confidant. Read more at https://t.co/hwHEsZYkFy…

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

When Suharto became President of Indonesia in 1968, Australian Clive Williams became a close confidant of his inner political, business and social circles. Williams was a key intermediary for Suharto with the US government in the late 1960s. Read more at https://t.co/hwHEsZYkFy…

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

When Suharto became President of Indonesia in 1968, Australian Clive Williams became a close confidant of his inner political, business and social circles. Williams was a key intermediary for Suharto with the US government in the late 1960s. Read more at https://t.co/iMXmyi6Y3V

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

@JobPeterjob1 Thanks Peter for your interest and comments. The conversation transcripts and witness accounts present Hawke at his robust and forceful best. But it was his long chat with Williams that ultimately achieved the breakthrough.

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

8/12 #TheAustralianBehindSuharto

In April 1976, union leader Bob Hawke visited Indonesia to protest Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor and find out what happened to Australian newsmen killed by Indonesian-backed forces in October and December 1975.

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

I will be presenting on Indonesian President Suharto’s Australian confidant, Clive Williams, at the 15th IIF hosted by @Yale. 25 September, 0700 EDT/1800 WIB/2100 AEST. Register:https://t.co/NBBomt2bw1

[Yani Lauwoie @yanilauwoie]

Postingan dari #Ecologicalive yang terlalu sayang untuk nggak di-share? "Sudahkah kita merdeka dari #krisisiklim?" #IndonesiaBikinBangga #TeamUpForImpact #UntukmuBumiku (1/7)

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Clive Williams received no recognition or thanks, in any form, for the incredible contributions he made to further Australia’s national interests in Indonesia. Williams never sought accolades of any kind during his lifetime but his legacy is too important to be left forgotten.

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

12/12 #TheAustralianBehindSuharto

Clive Williams’ place in Australian diplomatic history could easily have been forgotten, or remain covered up. Yet his importance to, and impact on, Australian diplomatic affairs and regional security was immense.

[Shannon Smith @bulejalan]

Aust diplomat: 'Clive was extremely proud of Suharto’s achievements and he was personally proud of his place within the President’s family. He was very pro-Australian and anxious to see a strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia. He remained an Australian patriot.'