The Man Who Jumped

On this dark day in Australian history, protests by asylum seekers at the detention centre had erupted. Temperatures had soared to over 50 degrees. More than 200 of the detainees were on hunger strike. Men, women and children had sewn up their lips. Some had swallowed detergent and shampoo. The atmosphere was explosive.

At the height of the conflict, a bare-chested young man climbed onto the perimeter fence. Below him were coils of razor wire. Suddenly, and without warning, he jumped.

Captured by television news cameras, his suicidal act shocked the nation and made headlines around the world. It was a powerful image, reminiscent of the footage of the man falling from the twin towers and the unknown man who stood in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square. And like those moments it came to define a dark chapter in the nation’s history.

Ten years on, we revisit this disturbing story and explore the questions: Who was this man? Why did he jump?

This exploration uncovers the tragic tale of a desperate man and questions what lies beneath our treatment of asylum seekers.

Additional footage:
 
Interview with Dr Simon Lockwood:



Interview with Hugh Mackay:



Interview with Mary Crock:



Interview with Trevor Robertson: